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A Conceptual Framework for an Allelopathic Cultivation Garden: Nature-Inspired Foundations for Sustainable Horticulture
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1  Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Technical Sciences, John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Biała Podlaska 21-500, Poland
Academic Editor: Andrew Adamatzky

Abstract:

This conceptual framework is grounded in a profound engagement with the principles of biomimicry—an approach that regards nature as the ultimate teacher and model for design solutions—in the context of designing cultivation gardens that harness natural allelopathic processes. Allelopathy, a biochemical form of communication and interaction among plants, is regarded here as a pivotal mechanism that biomimetically replicates and integrates natural ecological strategies, ensuring balance, resilience, and productivity within agricultural systems. Within this framework, traditional knowledge of natural plant interactions, passed down through generations, is synthesised with contemporary scientific research to develop a holistic model enabling deliberate spatial planning, species selection, and crop rotation. This model emphasises the importance of understanding plant-to-plant biochemical relationships to create synergistic plant communities that suppress weeds, deter pests, and promote mutual growth without reliance on synthetic chemicals. Such an approach not only contributes to reducing chemical inputs but also supports soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability, thereby advancing regenerative horticultural practices. By emphasising the biomimetic nature of the concept, this work demonstrates how the careful recreation and adaptation of natural processes can form the foundation of modern, sustainable, and regenerative horticulture. This aligns with broader global efforts to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable resource management, and foster resilient agricultural landscapes for future generations.

Keywords: allelopathy; soil health; natural herbicides;
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