Which of the following is a benefit of integrated pest management (IPM)?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that emphasizes the integration of various strategies to manage pest populations in an environmentally and economically sustainable way. One significant benefit of IPM is that it enhances biodiversity and ecosystem health. This approach not only seeks to control pest populations but also considers the ecological interactions within the environment.

By using a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods, IPM promotes the protection of beneficial organisms, such as predators and parasites that naturally regulate pest populations. This not only helps in reducing reliance on chemical pesticides but also contributes to maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. By fostering biodiversity, IPM helps create resilient agricultural environments that can better withstand pest outbreaks and other stressors.

On the other hand, focusing solely on chemical pesticides can lead to resistance issues and negative environmental impacts, while eliminating the need for monitoring fails to recognize the importance of understanding pest dynamics. Similarly, restricting the approach to just one type of pest control overlooks the benefits of a more integrated and comprehensive strategy that IPM advocates.