Competition can be above the ground, when plants compete for sunlight, and shade others, producing changes in height or branching patterns. Competition can also be underground where plants try to compete to get the limited water and nutrient supply in the soil. No matter, whether the competition is above or underground, it does have an effect on the growth and morphology of the plant. Competition is one of the many factors affecting plant growth, whether it be above the ground, for sunlight or shade. Such competition can result in changes in height or even branching patterns.
Competition underground can be for limited water supplies and nutrients needed for growth.
However, no matter where the competition occurs or for what, it affects the growth and morphology of the plant. There are two kinds of competition. Intraspecific competition is competition among members of the same species and is density dependent. On the other hand, interspecific competition is competition among members of different species and is density independent. There are two types of competition, intraspecific and interspecific.