ABSTRACT
The monoculture, a single species or plant type in a given area, is the simplest of agroecosystems. Monocultures are species-governed where the plants compete spatially for a nearly identical intake of essential resources and thwart adversity mostly through desirable plant characteristics. In practice, monocultures mimic the role that species play in early succession, where fast growth and an ability to overcome, resist, and/or suppress weeds carries across to plantation plantings. Species more agreeable to intercropping, i.e., those often associated with latter stage or climax forests, are found less in plantation monocultures. A common definition of monoculture is, by intent, the cultivation of a single species. A pure monoculture is the truest form, having only a single, niche-identical plant species. The varietal monoculture exploits the genetic advantages of varieties in combating natural stresses. Varietial monoculture has recorded ecological advantages, but the better silvicultural option may lie with a species-rich monoculture.
