Polyculture

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Polyculture

Polyculture (/ˈpɒlɪˌkʌltʃər/; from Greek poly-, "many" and Latin cultura, "cultivation") is a form of agriculture in which more than one species is grown at the same time and place in imitation of the diversity of natural ecosystems. Polyculture is the opposite of monoculture, in which only members of one plant or animal species are cultivated together.

Etymology

The term "polyculture" comes from the Greek prefix "poly-" meaning "many", and the Latin "cultura" meaning "cultivation". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe a method of farming that involves growing multiple crops in the same space.

Description

Polyculture farming involves growing multiple crops in the same space, which can include different types of plants or even different species of animals. This method of farming is designed to mimic the diversity of natural ecosystems and can provide a number of benefits, including increased biodiversity, improved soil health, and reduced susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Related Terms

  • Permaculture: A system of agricultural and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.
  • Crop rotation: The practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons.
  • Intercropping: The practice of growing two or more crops in proximity.
  • Agroforestry: A land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.

See Also

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski