Which practice can aid in improving crop resilience against stress?

Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) is an effective practice for improving crop resilience against stress. IPM emphasizes using a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools strategically to manage pests in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. By adopting IPM, farmers can reduce pest populations while also promoting beneficial organisms, leading to healthier crops that are better equipped to withstand various stresses such as disease, drought, or nutrient deficiencies. This holistic approach not only supports the plants themselves but also fosters a more balanced agroecosystem, enabling crops to thrive even under challenging conditions.

In contrast, relying on a single crop variety can make crops more vulnerable to disease and pest outbreaks, as a lack of genetic diversity means that if a susceptible variety faces an issue, the entire crop can be affected. Decreasing soil organic matter is detrimental, as healthy soil improves drought resistance, nutrient availability, and overall crop vigor. Frequent tillage can lead to soil degradation, loss of structure, and reduced moisture retention, all of which contribute to increased crop stress rather than enhancing resilience.