Plants compete primarily for the following resources:
- Light : Plants grow quickly and often shade others with their leaves to maximize photosynthesis and gain better access to sunlight
- Water : Plants compete for water absorbed from the soil, which is essential for their survival and growth
- Minerals and Nutrients : Plants require minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium from the soil, and they compete by extending their root systems to pre-empt nutrient uptake before neighbors can access them
- Space : Plants need space for their roots and leaves to grow healthily. Adequate space prevents shading of leaves and allows better access to resources. Competition for space can be seen in forests where trees compete to replace dead individuals, ensuring the survival of the fittest
- Pollinators and Seed Dispersers : Plants also compete for pollinators to reproduce and for agents that disperse their seeds, although this is less commonly emphasized than resource competition
In summary, plants compete for light, water, nutrients/minerals, space, and reproductive agents to survive, grow, and reproduce effectively in their environments
