System plants
Nitrogen binders, windbreakers and groundcovers are all in their own way system plants in that they help to maintain or improve the system they are part of. There are also a number of other plants that, in other ways, make a strong contribution to the functioning of the system - and it is these plants that I have labeled system plants here.
System Plants
Nitrogen fixers, windbreaks, and ground covers are all, in their own way, system plants as they contribute to maintaining or improving the system they are part of. There are also a number of other plants that, in different ways, make strong contributions to the system functioning well - and it is these plants that I have designated as system plants here.
Plants that attract beneficial insects
A large population of beneficial insects is very important in any resilient agricultural/forestry system. The number of insects can be significantly increased by introducing plants that attract them. For example, bees, especially wild bees, are very important for pollination.
Honeybees are also important, but they are vulnerable to diseases and parasites. Rather than waiting for an insect pest problem to emerge, a wide range of predatory insects and insect parasitespresent will ensure that the problem never occurs. Plants in the Asteraceae (formerly Compositae) and Apiaceae (formerly Apiaceae) families make up the majority of these important system plants.
Plants with other system functions
Plants that stimulate nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Plants that act as a “plant doctor” by helping others against disease or healing them. Plants that promote the growth of neighboring plants.
Plants that improve the soil by, for example, adding important minerals to the soil. And plants that keep unwanted plants at a distance are all examples of plants with other system functions that I have also chosen to call system plants.