Which control method involves altering farming practices to manage pest populations?

The control method that involves altering farming practices to manage pest populations is cultural control. This approach focuses on modifying agricultural practices to create an environment that is less conducive to pest infestations. For instance, practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, selecting pest-resistant crop varieties, and adjusting planting and harvesting times can significantly reduce the pest population. By enhancing ecosystem health and encouraging natural pest enemies, cultural control methods aim to minimize reliance on chemical pesticides and reduce the potential for pest adaptation and resistance.

In comparison, chemical control refers to using pesticides to directly kill pests rather than altering the environment. Mechanical control involves physical methods like traps or barriers, while biological control utilizes natural predators or pathogens to control pest populations. Cultural control is unique in that it emphasizes proactive changes to farming environments to promote sustainable pest management rather than reactive measures.