Give an example of a complex cropping community where competition and mutualisms may play different but equally important roles in the success of the entire crop system.

A complex cropping community where competition and mutualism play different but equally important roles in the success of the entire crop system is the traditional Native American agricultural practice of "Three Sisters." This system involves the co-planting of corn (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus spp.), and squash (Cucurbita spp.) in the same plot. Mutualism is demonstrated through cornstalks providing support for bean growth and beans fixing nitrogen for all three crops. Squash also suppresses weed growth and minimizes water evaporation. Competition is minimized in this system by growing at different heights, allowing for efficient sunlight distribution, and by balancing the competition for soil nutrients. This balance between competition and mutualism contributes to the overall success and resilience of the crop system.