Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This thesis explores the adaptation of the traditional Indigenous Three Sisters intercropping system (maize, beans, and squash) to modern, sustainable, and space-efficient growing formats in a northern urban context. Through a series of qualitative and semi-quantitative trials conducted in southern Sweden, four growing systems were tested: intercropped greenhouse bathtubs, outdoor intercropped raised beds, outdoor intercropped container pots, and outdoor monoculture beds, which served as a control for comparison. The study aimed to evaluate each system’s performance in terms of plant health, weed suppression, pest resilience, growth efficiency, ecological cooperation, and space requirements. It also investigated the potential of substituting traditional crops with alternatives such as sunflower, zucchini, and cucumber. Results showed that the greenhouse bathtub system demonstrated the most vigorous growth and strongest interplant cooperation, while the container and raised bed systems showed promising potential with some limitations. Monoculture beds consistently underperformed across all criteria. Findings confirm that even under low-input conditions, the Three Sisters model, when adapted to contained formats, can support resilient, efficient, and ecologically beneficial food production in small spaces. The study highlights the potential of Indigenous-inspired polycultures for sustainable urban agriculture in northern climates and suggests pathways for further adaptation, biodiversity integration, and system optimization.