The cultivation of more than one crop or plant species in the same field or area simultaneously. This approach mimics natural ecosystems to improve soil health, reduce pest pressure, and maximize land use. It contrasts with monoculture, where a single crop dominates a large area.
Heard on the job
Switching to a polyculture of corn, beans, and squash reduced our need for synthetic fertilizers.
Related terms
Monoculture
The practice of growing a single crop species over a wide area for consecutive seasons.
Three sisters
A traditional companion planting method combining maize, climbing beans, and squash.
Permaculture
A design approach to agriculture that mimics natural ecosystems to create self-sustaining landscapes.
Strip cropping
Planting different crops in alternating narrow bands across a field.