A sandy wasteland very accurately described our place, too.
But yes, it's a combo of all these things are more. I studied permaculture a long time ago, and 5 years ago we get serious about understanding the concepts and applying them to our farm. There's no single recipe nor is there a set of things to do because every situation is different. You don't pick a solution and go for it. You arrive at a solution through the process.
Have you read the book "Gaia's Garden"? If not, get it. You will find it an excellent introduction to permaculture, along with a candy store of ideas you can use.
I'll also add that a lot of our help lies in weeds and utilizing pioneer species to do our work for us. And, of course, not tilling up the soil.
