In pest management, what is referred to as "cultural control"?

Cultural control refers to practices that modify the environment to reduce the establishment, reproduction, and survival of pests. This approach focuses on altering farming or gardening practices to make the environment less hospitable for pests. For example, rotating crops, adjusting planting times, using proper irrigation techniques, and implementing sanitation practices in gardens or fields are all considered cultural control methods. By strategically managing environmental factors, these practices can effectively minimize pest populations and their impact on crops without relying solely on chemical or biological controls. The intention is to create an ecosystem that favors the desired plants while discouraging pests, hence enhancing overall pest management success.