Which method for pest control could be described as environmentally sustainable?

Cultural pest control methods focus on adjusting agricultural practices to create an environment that is less conducive to pest outbreaks. This includes practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, selecting pest-resistant plant varieties, and maintaining healthy soil through organic matter addition and proper irrigation. By managing the environment and practices rather than relying on external inputs like chemicals, cultural methods promote ecological balance and sustainability.

In contrast, chemical methods involve the application of synthetic pesticides, which can have detrimental effects on non-target organisms, contaminate water sources, and lead to pest resistance over time. Mechanical methods rely on physical techniques like traps or barriers to manage pests, which, while beneficial, often require ongoing labor and resources. Host resistance involves breeding or selecting plants that can withstand pest pressures, which can be effective but may not address broader ecosystem factors. Overall, cultural methods align best with the principles of sustainability in pest management.