Integrated Pest Management
Grace Taylor
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Environmental Science study guide covers pest management, focusing on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It details IPM strategies like natural predators, crop rotation, and biological controls. The guide also explains other pest control methods (physical, chemical, cultural) and connects pest management to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Finally, it provides practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Environmental Science: Pest Management Study Guide
Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP Environmental Science exam with a focus on pest management. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the test. We'll break down the concepts, highlight key points, and make sure you're feeling confident. Let's do this!
#1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. It's all about using a mix of strategies to control pests while minimizing harm to the environment and human health. Think of it as a smart, balanced approach rather than relying solely on chemicals.
#What is IPM?
- IPM is a flexible, adaptable system that combines multiple control methods.
- It aims to reduce pest populations to acceptable levels rather than complete eradication.
- It can be used in various settings: agriculture, forestry, landscaping, and even indoors.
#IPM Strategies
- Natural Predators: Using a pest's natural enemies to keep their populations in check. 🐞
- Crop Rotation: Changing the crops grown in a field each season to disrupt pest life cycles.
- Intercropping: Growing multiple crops together to increase biodiversity and confuse pests. 🌱
- Biological Controls: Introducing beneficial organisms to control pests.
- Chemical Controls: Using pesticides judiciously and as a last resort. 🧪
- Physical Controls: Using barriers and traps to prevent pest access. 🚧
Remember that IPM is not about eliminating all pests; it's about managing them sustainably. This is a key concept for both multiple-choice and free-response questions.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia: Intercropping of oat and rye demonstrates how multiple crops can be grown together to increase biodiversity and confuse pests.
#2. Methods of Pest Control <a id="methods"...
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