October 4, 2025 — Finca Alazan Updates group
”Hi y’all. I thought it might be a good time for another Syntropic principle discussion.
I mentioned the North South trajectory and spacing of our tree rows for maximum solar penetration into the system. Equally important is the concept of stratification.
All plant species have evolved to occupy different strata within the systems in which they grow. Some species insist on full unfiltered sun. This would be plants like Cocos, papaya, casava, corn, etc. These are the emergent species that want 100% sun exposure.
Other plants like a high degree of direct sun, but benefit from not having to bear the 100% full brunt of exposure. These high strata plants make up the canopy of the forest and would include species like avocado, mango, sapote, banana, cranberry hibiscus, and beans. They like about 80% of full sun exposure.
Just below the canopy is where the medium stratum understory plants such as citrus, mulberry, anona, guava, heliconia, citronella thrive. 60% exposure is about right for these species.
Finally, the low stratum species enjoy the filtered light beneath their neighbors. Somewhere around 40% of full sun is optimal for many of these plants, such as cacao, coffee, vanilla, spiral ginger, piña, turmeric, etc.
The Syntropic farmer further maximizes and optimizes the solar exposure for each species in the consortium by arranging them together in the North South tree rows. Emergent species are combined in an ‘A’ row with medium strata plants while alternate ‘B’ rows contain high stratum plants combined with low stratum plants.
This strategy ensures that there is some vertical space between strata. The emergents tower above the medium plants allowing for sun to penetrate deeper into the system. 6 meters to the east or west will be a row with high stratum plants above low stratum plants. The vertical gap between the two strata allows sunlight to perfuse the system. The gaps between the tree rows allows sun to filter in from both the east and west as the sun tracks across the sky.
This arrangement in space allows for maximum absorption of sunlight and therefore maximum productivity. We strive to give every plant a perfect spot to best do its thing.
Orientation and stratification are key concepts. Next we should talk about succession. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions if my ramblings bring them up. Pura vida!”