Beneficial insects should be ________ and ________ when economically feasible.

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of beneficial insects in maintaining ecological balance within agricultural systems. Protecting beneficial insects is crucial because they play vital roles in pollination, pest control, and enhancing soil health. These insects help to keep pest populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, which can have harmful effects on both the environment and human health.

Promoting beneficial insects involves creating an environment that supports their life cycles and populations. This can include practices such as planting diverse crops that attract these insects, minimizing pesticide use, and providing habitats such as hedgerows or wildflower strips. When beneficial insects thrive, they contribute significantly to the efficiency and sustainability of farming practices, leading to healthier crops and potentially higher yields.

The other choices do not align with the ecological approach to pest management. Ignoring beneficial insects would be detrimental to their populations, as it neglects the crucial role they play in controlling pests naturally. Fertilizing beneficial insects is not a common practice, as they do not require the same interventions as crops do. Lastly, while controlling and studying beneficial insects may have some merit, the focus should be on ensuring their survival and increasing their population rather than controlling them, which can imply eradication. Therefore, protecting and promoting beneficial insects is the