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Functional Groups

Overview

Plants are grouped by ecological function rather than by traditional crop category.

A single plant can belong to multiple functional groups.

Soil Engineers

Plants that improve physical soil structure through roots.

Species

  • Alfalfa
  • Daikon radish
  • Comfrey
  • Jerusalem artichoke

Functions

  • penetrate compacted layers;
  • create root channels;
  • improve water infiltration;
  • improve aeration.

Biomass Producers

Plants selected mainly for mulch and compost feedstock.

Species

  • Amaranth
  • Sorghum
  • Sunflower
  • Jerusalem artichoke
  • Millet

Functions

  • produce stems and leaves;
  • shade the soil;
  • provide carbon;
  • generate mulch internally.

Nitrogen Fixers

Legumes and other nitrogen-fixing plants.

Species

  • Alfalfa
  • Clover
  • Chickpea
  • Vetch
  • Field peas

Functions

  • host nitrogen-fixing bacteria;
  • introduce biological nitrogen;
  • support protein production;
  • reduce dependency on external nitrogen sources.

Nutrient Mobilizers

Plants that help access nutrients unavailable to other crops.

Species

  • Buckwheat
  • Comfrey
  • Alfalfa

Functions

  • mobilize phosphorus;
  • accumulate potassium;
  • extract minerals from depth;
  • recycle nutrients through biomass.

Living Mulch

Low-growing species that protect the soil surface.

Species

  • White clover
  • Red clover
  • Low-growing mixed covers

Functions

  • reduce evaporation;
  • reduce soil temperature;
  • reduce erosion;
  • reduce weed pressure.

Pollinator Support

Flowering species that support beneficial insects.

Species

  • Phacelia
  • Buckwheat
  • Clover
  • Marigold
  • Nasturtium
  • Dill

Functions

  • nectar supply;
  • beneficial insect habitat;
  • predator insect support;
  • improved ecological stability.

Low-Input Food Crops

Crops selected for food output under limited input conditions.

Species

  • Chickpea
  • Lentils
  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Jerusalem artichoke

Functions

  • produce edible yield;
  • tolerate imperfect soil;
  • require limited irrigation;
  • store well after harvest.

Functional Design Example

A mixed bed can combine several functions:

Alfalfa     → nitrogen + deep roots
Amaranth    → biomass + shade
Phacelia    → microbial stimulation + pollinators
Buckwheat   → phosphorus mobilization + fast cover

This approach reduces dependency on single-function crop planning.