Why is crop rotation considered beneficial in pest management?

Crop rotation is considered beneficial in pest management primarily because it helps disrupt pest life cycles and reduces pest buildup. By alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area, pests that are specific to a certain crop may find it more difficult to survive. When the host plant is no longer available, the pests may struggle to find food and reproduce, leading to a decrease in their populations. This interruption in their life cycle can significantly reduce the prevalence of pests over time, thus minimizing the potential for infestations and damage to crops.

While enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical pesticides are positive outcomes associated with crop rotation, the primary mechanism through which crop rotation aids in pest management is its ability to disrupt the life cycles of pest organisms. Increasing pest populations would be counterproductive to pest management goals and does not align with the principles of crop rotation.