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. Interspecific competition involves competition among members of different species and is density independent while intraspecific competition occurs among members of the same species and is density dependent. The main purpose of this lab is to investigate to intraspecific and interspecific competition affect growth of various vegetables. We will conduct this experiment by hand-sowing in a green house type experiment, because this will allow us to control other factors that affect plant growth.