Which pest management practice includes rotating crops and destroying crop residues?

Cultural controls encompass a variety of agricultural practices that optimize the environment for growing crops while minimizing pest issues. Rotating crops helps prevent the buildup of pests and diseases specific to a single crop type, as different plants can host different pests and pathogens. By alternating between various crops, the lifecycle of pest populations can be disrupted. Similarly, destroying crop residues eliminates the habitats and food sources that pests may rely on, further reducing pest populations and helping maintain healthier soil.

This approach contrasts with biological controls, which utilize natural predators or pathogens to manage pest populations, and mechanical controls, which involve physical methods like trapping or barriers to prevent pest access. Chemical controls rely on pesticides to manage pest issues, which, while effective, can have other environmental impacts and may not be as sustainable as cultural practices. Understanding cultural controls is essential for fostering a sustainable and integrated pest management strategy.