Some plants grow better in the company of others because they can benefit from beneficial synergies, such as nutrient exchanges, predator control, or microclimate improvement.
Plants can grow better in the company of other plants because they have the ability to provide complementary nutrients. Some plants can extract nutrients from the soil more efficiently than others, and make them available to their neighbors. For example, legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil through symbiotic bacteria present in their roots, which benefits other surrounding plants requiring nitrogen for their growth. This interdependence between different plant species promotes a nutritional balance in the ecosystem and contributes to better plant health and productivity.
Plants can grow more healthily when surrounded by other plants, as this can help protect them against pests and diseases. This approach, known as crop association, can provide natural protection against attacks from harmful insects and potential diseases. For example, some plants produce chemical compounds that repel insects or inhibit the growth of certain pathogens, thus helping to maintain an ecological balance in the ecosystem. By planting different species together, plants can protect each other and reduce the need for agricultural interventions such as the use of harmful pesticides or insecticides. This phenomenon illustrates the complexity of interactions between plants and how they can help each other to promote their growth and overall health.
The diversity of cultivated plants can increase the diversity of soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. This increased biodiversity can promote more complex and beneficial interactions for the soil, such as the decomposition of organic matter, nitrogen fixation, and soil structure improvement. The roots of different plants secrete substances that can attract beneficial organisms for the soil, thus promoting a healthy and balanced environment. By interacting with a variety of plants, the soil can maintain its natural fertility and be more resistant to diseases and environmental changes.
Pollination is an essential step in the plant reproduction process. Some plants grow better in the company of other plants thanks to the improved pollination they offer. Indeed, the diversity of plant species attracts different types of pollinating insects, such as bees, butterflies, bumblebees, and beetles. These insects move from one plant to another to feed on nectar and pollen, thus ensuring the transmission of pollen between flowers.
When a plant is well pollinated, it produces more seeds and fruits, which promotes its growth and reproduction. Therefore, the presence of other plants nearby, which attract different pollinators, can increase the rate of cross-pollination and improve plant fertilization. This cooperation between different plant species helps increase crop yield and promote genetic diversity within plant populations.
Did you know that carrots, beans, and parsley are good companion plants because carrots repel carrot flies, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and parsley attracts beneficial insects?
Do you know about the principle of ground cover plants? They promote biodiversity and protect the soil from erosion, while also limiting competition between plants and maintaining moisture.
Did you know that aromatic plants such as mint, thyme and lavender can repel some harmful insects, while also attracting essential pollinators for the fruiting of many plants?
The practice of companion planting promotes biodiversity, improves plant health, and optimizes the use of available resources.
It is recommended to choose companion plants that have complementary needs in terms of light, humidity, and nutrients.
Some plants have beneficial symbiotic relationships, such as tomatoes and basil, or carrots and onions.
It is important to choose companion plants that do not compete for the same resources in order to avoid any weakening of growth.
Companion plants can protect each other against pests, provide nutrients, or promote cross-pollination.
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