SUMMARY. Nature never stands still. Plant and animal communities evolve over time, adapting to new conditions and following a pattern of gradual change. This phenomenon is known as succession. Anyone who wants to create a Food Forest and design it to be sustainable should understand this principle and integrate it into their planning.
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What is succession?
Succession describes the natural progression of plant and animal communities at a location. The process often begins with pioneer plants that colonise barren or disturbed areas and prepare the soil for more demanding species. Over time, a complex and stable ecosystem with high species diversity and resilience develops.
There are two main types of succession:
Primary succession – occurs on areas without previous vegetation, such as after volcanic eruptions.
Secondary succession – occurs when an area is recolonised after a disturbance (e.g. clearing, fire, flooding).
As succession progresses, biodiversity, biomass and ecological stability increase. The goal is to create a resilient system that is self-sustaining and regenerative.
A food forest is more than a collection of edible plants – it is a living ecosystem
Why is succession important for food forests?
Food forests are multi-layered, long-term planned growing systems. A successful design takes natural succession into account to ensure long-term stability and productivity.
Benefits of succession-based planning:
Efficient establishment of the system: The targeted planting of pioneer species (e.g. nitrogen fixers) can improve soil quality and accelerate the growth of subsequent plants.
Minimization of maintenance effort: A self-regulating ecosystem reduces the need for external intervention.
Increased resilience: Succession-managed food forests are more resistant to climate extremes and pests.
Maximized use of resources: Light, water and nutrient availability can be optimally utilized through the targeted selection of plants for each succession phase.
Sustainable yields without additional input: In early succession, it is the task of the first plants to prepare the soil for subsequent species. These more demanding plants – often those with higher yields – thrive later without additional input such as fertilizer because the soil conditions have already been improved by the preliminary work of the pioneer plants.
Working with succession – consciously integrating this natural sequence into the design – is a key differentiator between food forests and industrial agriculture. In conventional systems, succession hardly plays a role. Instead, often only plants from the early succession phases are grown and reseeded each year after harvest. This cycle only works with considerable external input, especially artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
Succession in practice
While succession in nature often takes place over many years, in a food forest the different plant layers are usually planned simultaneously. Different types of plants are strategically combined to mimic and accelerate the natural development of the system:
Pioneer plants (e.g. nitrogen-fixing plants such as alders or pea bushes) improve the soil and protect young seedlings.
Pioneer trees (e.g. birch, poplar) grow quickly and provide wind protection for more sensitive plants.
Shrubs and medium-sized trees (e.g. berry bushes, apple and plum trees) contribute to the structure of the system and provide early yields.
Undergrowth plants (e.g. ferns, herbs) occupy the herb layer and prevent erosion.
Climax trees (e.g. walnut, chestnut, oak) are long-lived species that stabilise the ecosystem and provide long-term yields.
This simultaneous planting creates a functioning ecosystem from the very beginning, one that continues to develop and adapt over the years. The pioneer plants prepare the soil by providing organic matter and fixing nitrogen. Gradually, shrubs and medium-sized trees take on a supporting role, until finally the climax trees form the stable growth stage of the system.
An interesting but controversial representative among the pioneer trees is the Robinia (Black Locust). It is a powerful nitrogen fixer, grows quickly, and provides valuable wood as well as windbreak functions. However, due to its invasive potential, it is controversial or even banned in many regions. Nevertheless, it is valued by some designers for its contribution to system establishment.
Insights from other disciplines
In addition to classical ecology, there are other valuable approaches for succession planning in food forests:
Permaculture principles (Bill Mollison, David Holmgren): Using natural patterns to design sustainable cultivation systems.
Syntropic agriculture (Ernst Götsch): Dynamic succession as the basis for fertile ecosystems.
Miyawaki method: fast-growing, diverse plant communities to accelerate succession.
Conclusion
A food forest is more than a collection of edible plants – it is a living ecosystem that evolves over time. An understanding of succession helps to establish the right plants at the right time, support natural processes and create a resilient, productive system. By harnessing these natural rhythms, you can design a food forest that is successful in the long term and benefits both people and the environment.