What is an example of a cultural practice in pest management?

Cultural practices in pest management refer to the methods that modify the environment or farming practices to reduce pest establishment, reproduction, and survival. Crop rotation and planting timing is a prime example, as it disrupts the life cycles of pests. By changing the crops grown in a specific area each season, farmers can prevent pests that feed on a particular crop from becoming established. Additionally, adjusting planting times can help plants avoid peak pest populations, thereby reducing the need for chemical interventions.

In contrast, regularly applying insecticides is a chemical method of control, relying on pesticides rather than environmental management. Utilizing feral animals for pest control may introduce other management challenges and ecological considerations, while soil sterilization techniques are more invasive and can harm beneficial soil organisms and overall soil health. Therefore, crop rotation and planting timing exemplify an effective cultural practice within integrated pest management strategies.