Symbiosis, according to Webster's Dictionary, is "the intimate living together of two dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship.” In this definition, both elements are important: (1) the "dissimilarity” of the two organisms and (2) their "mutually beneficial relationship.” If one of these two elements is neglected, the principle of symbiosis cannot release its power...
Symbiosis depends on a variety of different organisms living in the same place. Of course, a monocultural approach is able to produce impressive amounts of fruit as well. However, since monoculture is blind to the stabilizing effects of hedges, swamps, and horticultural variety, the overall energy investment in terms of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, etc. is far higher...
Excerpts from Color Your World with Natural Church Development - Christian A. Schwarz
