Soil fertility management and insect pests: harmonizing soil and plant health in agroecosystems
Authors:
Clara Nicholls, Miguel Altieri
Tags:
crop nutrition, inorganic fertilizers, insect populations, pest attack, pest management, soil fertility, yield
Journal:
Soil and Tillage Research
Year Published:
2003
Policy Summary
This paper explores soil health and its relationship to crop health and pest management, as strengthened by cultural methods such as crop fertilization. Farming practices involving excessive use of inorganic fertilizers can cause nutrient imbalances and lower pest resistance. With more research regarding the relationship between soil fertility and insect pest attack, we will be better placed to convert conventional systems of crop production to those that incorporate agroecological strategies to optimize soil organic fertilization, crop diversity management, and more natural systems of pest regulation without incurring yield penalties.
