Polyculture

Definition of Polyculture

Polyculture is an agricultural production system in which multiple crop species are grown together on the same land area, either simultaneously or in planned sequences, to mimic natural ecosystems and improve overall system resilience. Rather than relying on uniformity, polyculture embraces biological diversity to enhance productivity, stability, and ecological function within farming systems.

This approach can involve mixed cropping, intercropping, companion planting, or integrated crop–livestock systems, where interactions between species are intentionally managed for mutual benefit.

Why Polyculture Matters

Polyculture matters because it offers an alternative to simplified farming systems by spreading biological and economic risk. Key benefits include:

• Improved resilience to pests, diseases, and climate variability

• Enhanced soil health through diverse root systems and organic inputs

• Reduced reliance on chemical inputs due to natural pest and nutrient regulation

• Greater biodiversity at field and landscape scales

• More stable yields across seasons

• Diversified farm outputs and income streams

Polyculture supports sustainable and regenerative agriculture by aligning food production with ecological processes.

Key Characteristics of Polyculture

• Multiple Crop Species – Two or more crops grown within the same production area

• Functional Diversity – Species selected for complementary growth habits and resource use

• Spatial Integration – Crops arranged in rows, strips, or mixed plantings

• Temporal Diversity – Staggered planting and harvesting cycles

• Ecological Interactions – Natural pest suppression and nutrient cycling

• Input Efficiency – Reduced need for fertilisers and pesticides

• System Resilience – Greater tolerance to environmental stress

Related Terms

• Monoculture

• Crop Rotation

• Agroecology

• Sustainable Agriculture

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Biodiversity

Useful Resources on Polyculture

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about polyculture systems, crop diversity, and ecological farming practices:

• FAO – Crop Diversification and Sustainable Farming Systems – Global analysis of diversified cropping strategies.

• AGRIS – Polyculture and Intercropping Research Database – Scientific studies on mixed cropping systems.

• CIMMYT – Intercropping and Cropping Systems Research – Applied research on diversified crop production.

• European Commission – Sustainable Crop Systems – Policy and innovation initiatives supporting crop diversity.

• IPBES – Biodiversity and Agriculture Reports – Scientific assessments on the role of diversity in food systems.

• The Polyculture Project - their project mission is to develop and promote practices that can produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity.