| The combination of soil science, forestry, agronomy and biology allowed an analytical comparison of various experimental mixed culture systems. From these studies, a descriptor system was developed which allows to understand the contribution of each plant species to nutrient cycling, water distribution, litter formation, overall biomass production and crop production. This knowledge allows to combine plants so that their properties interact to form a system, which minimizes mineral losses and which regulates air humidity and water distribution and thus leads to stable crop production. The general conclusion which can be drawn after eight years of polyculture study is: a) stable productions systems for samllholder families have bee developed; b) the systems... |
