What is intercropping used for in pest management?

Intercropping in pest management is utilized to slow the spread of pests and provide habitats for natural enemies. This practice involves growing two or more different crops in close proximity, which can disrupt the life cycles of pests and reduce their ability to spread throughout a field. The diversity created by intercropping can attract beneficial insects, such as predators and parasitoids, that can help control pest populations naturally.

By fostering a more biodiverse ecosystem, intercropping enhances the resilience of crops against pest infestations. It can also improve soil health and reduce resource competition among plants, leading to a more balanced agricultural system. This multifaceted approach aligns perfectly with the principles of Integrated Pest Management, which emphasize sustainable and ecological pest control strategies.

This contrasts with other options that do not contribute to pest management effectively. Planting only one crop could actually heighten vulnerability to pests, relying heavily on chemical pesticides goes against the IPM philosophy of minimizing chemical use, and removing the need for crop rotation does not consider the long-term health and sustainability of crops and soil.