Which of the following is a benefit of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that emphasizes the use of multiple strategies to manage pest populations while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. One of the key benefits of IPM is its ability to reduce pesticide hazards to people, wildlife, and the environment.

By integrating various methods such as cultural practices, biological control, and the judicious use of chemical pesticides only when necessary, IPM aims to manage pest populations effectively while lowering the reliance on chemical pesticides, which can have detrimental effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems. This careful consideration helps protect beneficial insects, wildlife habitats, and human communities from the adverse impacts associated with the overuse of synthetic chemicals. As a result, IPM fosters a more sustainable agricultural practice that not only addresses pest issues but also promotes environmental health and safety.

The other options do not align with the core principles of IPM. Increasing pesticide use contradicts the aim of reducing chemical hazards, while higher costs for increased crop yield may not reflect the economic efficiency that IPM seeks. Additionally, IPM does not seek to eliminate all pest control measures but rather to manage pests in a more balanced and environmentally friendly way.