Which of the following practices can lead to more effective pest management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that focuses on understanding the entire ecosystem and the interactions within it. This method combines a variety of practices—biological, cultural, physical, and chemical—to manage pest populations at levels that are economically and environmentally sustainable.

IPM emphasizes monitoring pest populations, identifying pests accurately, and understanding their life cycles and behavior. This knowledge allows for targeted interventions at the most effective times and with the most appropriate methods, minimizing harm to beneficial organisms, humans, and the environment. For instance, using traps and beneficial insects can reduce pest numbers, while carefully selected chemical treatments can be applied when necessary, avoiding indiscriminate use that could lead to resistance.

In contrast, practices such as ignoring soil health, using pesticides indiscriminately, or relying solely on organic methods do not provide the same level of comprehensive management and can lead to higher pest pressures or reduced effectiveness.