Factors to consider in polycultures

In the previous article, some aspects related to the spatial design of polycultures were addressed, which is related to the distribution of crops on the surfaces intended for production. In this publication we will talk about the agronomic factors that are of the utmost importance for maximizing the yields of the associated species, we will emphasize some that should receive attention for the proper development of polyculture systems.

Let's start by pointing out the right planting season for the plant, apart from the availability of necessary water, other factors favorable to growth such as soil and relative humidity. The planting season of the plant varies according to climatic conditions, the ideal is to sow the crops in the seasons that coincide with the entry of the rainy season, since, it is a time where logically enough water will be available for cultivation.

It is also important to highlight the spatial arrangements that, as mentioned above, are the distributions of agricultural species in space and time; for which reason there are multiple surface crop arrangements and each one generates different effects on plant populations. In the combination of two or more crops, the distribution in the field is of great importance since it affects the efficiency in the use of sunlight and in the ground cover.

The ideal is to be able to establish a planting pattern in which each plant is at similar distances, since it allows the most efficient use of resources to grow and produce; however, this may vary for practical reasons such as soil preparation, the feasibility of planting, cultivation tasks. Planting one of the crops that are associated with the normal distance from the monoculture can produce the best results; excessive spacing reduces yields in terms of total production per area.

In this same order of ideas, the planting frames that are adopted for both associated crops, the plants should be in rows evenly, with minimal competition between them; which does not happen when a crop is competing with weeds that are born and develop disorderly, being more harmful the closer they are to the plants. According to some researchers, in the spatial distribution of crops, the climate, soil temperature, the efficiency of the intersection of solar radiation are taken into account and easier management of crops is sought.

In the same way, it is important to consider the planting time of the associated crops, since, if it is established earlier than the main crop, it can drastically reduce yields, due to the competition that is established for light and other factors for growth, such as water and nutrients, and if the main crop is established very early, it can affect the associated crop by not having the strength to survive the competition. Undoubtedly, these aspects are of great importance when associating crops that are destined for food, in some investigations we were able to investigate that the simultaneous sowing of crops is more efficient in terms of yield compared when sowing at different times.

Dear readers, as we have mentioned in our blog immensity of times agriculture is a process that was developed depending on the factors or elements of nature, therefore, before implementing any agronomic method in the production unit it is important that you perform some tests, or simply vary the type of method over time and thus determine which is more effective in your production unit, since, climatic elements and soil types varies from one place to another.