Individually, IPM practices are not very different from practices used in conventional pest control. Collectively, however, they represent a very different management philosophy. A successful IPM program considers the effect of every aspect of farm management on pest and beneficial populations. Plowing, crop scheduling, irrigation and mulch application may be adjusted to reduce future pest problems. Managing crops to reduce buildup of pest populations is an important component of IPM programs.
Crop rotation is one of the best ways to avoid pests.
Rotation with cover crops, grains, and vegetables in different families from the crop is probably the most effective way to prevent buildup of insects, diseases, and weeds. The greater the differences between plants in rotation, the more effective they are in suppressing pest populations. For example, alternating upright crops, such as tomatoes and peppers which are widely spaced in rows with crops such as leafy greens which are planted densely on beds will interrupt weed life cycles, as will alternating between cool and warm season crops. To the extent that crop rotation improves soil structure and fertility, crops grown in rotations should also be better able to tolerate or outgrow pest damage. Although rotation will almost always offer some reduction in pest problems when compared to continuous cropping, it is most effective in reducing pests with a narrow host range and those that cannot survive more than one or two years without a host.