How can soil management practices influence pest populations?

Soil management practices significantly impact pest populations by influencing plant health and resilience. Healthy soils are characterized by a good structure, appropriate nutrient levels, and beneficial microbial activity. When soils are well-managed, they support robust plant growth. This robust growth leads to stronger, healthier plants that can better withstand pest pressures. Thriving plants can produce natural defenses or secondary metabolites that deter pests, thereby enhancing their overall resilience against infestations.

The option suggesting that healthy soils discourage any plant growth is contrary to the principles of soil management, as healthy soils promote, rather than inhibit, plant health. Additionally, the claim that sandy soils are always better for pest management overlooks the complexities of different soil types and their varied effects on plant and pest dynamics. Lastly, acidic soils attracting pests misrepresents how soil pH affects plant health and pest interactions; while certain pests may thrive in specific conditions, healthy soils, regardless of pH, generally promote plant vigor that can help repel or manage pests effectively.