Which pest management method aims to reduce pest populations through environmental alteration?

Cultural control is a pest management method that focuses on altering the environment to make it less conducive to pest populations. This can involve various practices that promote healthier crops and reduce pest habitats. Examples include crop rotation, proper sanitation, adjusting planting times, and implementing proper irrigation techniques. By changing the conditions under which pests thrive, cultural control effectively minimizes pest populations and can lead to a more sustainable agricultural system.

In contrast, mechanical control relies on physical methods like traps and barriers to manage pests. Biological control involves the use of natural predators or parasites to keep pest populations in check. Integrated pest management combines various strategies, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods, to create a comprehensive approach to pest management. While each of these methods plays a role in pest management, cultural control specifically targets environmental changes as a means to reduce pest populations.