A Comparison of Modern and Indigenous Agricultural Systems: Monoculture Versus Polyculture
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Authors
Stein, Michael
Issue Date
2011-04-15T19:14:45Z
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Agricultural systems , Corn--Productivity , Beans--Productivity , Squash--Productivity
Alternative Title
Abstract
Although monoculture cornfield is the standard method of farming for modern agriculture, polyculture
was a dominant system for indigenous cultures in the New World. These systems were discussed
widely in the personal writings of missionaries and settlers, who marveled at the agricultural productivity
of the native people. The Three Sisters method, consisting of a close grouping of corn (Zea
mays), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and squash (Cucurbita sp.), was one of the most common polyculture
methods throughout North America. The method is admired, as it produces a complete diet, and
the mutualistic relationships between the plants encourage higher yields. The purpose of this experiment
was to test for a difference in crop productivity and yield between a corn monoculture and the
Three Sisters setup. In this greenhouse study, pots were planted with only corn and were treated at
the beginning of the growing season with synthetic fertilizer representing modern monoculture. This
treatment was compared with pots planted with corn, pole beans, and butternut squash, a variation of
the Three Sisters. To test productivity, the sizes and flowering times of the corn were measured. The
yield and weights of all fruits produced by the plants was also collected. The monoculture treatment
showed trends of faster development in height and flowering times. However, the Three Sisters
method has the possibility to deliver higher combined yields and produce more total food.
Description
Mentor: Dr. Nanci Ross