There is a growing understanding that the health of the ecosystem is the most effective deterrent to pest problems.
- Supporting a healthy soil food web – Healthy soil needs food, such as compost,
mulch, and green manure cover crops, for soil microbes. According to renowned soil microbiologist Dr. Elaine Ingham, maximizing the diversity and strength of soil life prevents pest and disease-causing problems. For information about Dr. Ingham’s research, see: http://soilfoodwebcourse.com/what-every-farmer-needs-to-kn…/, especially from 11:58 to 13:46
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Report: Soils and
Biodiversity speaks about the functions of soil biota including the “suppression of pests, parasites and diseases”.
“The quality and health of soils largely determine agricultural production and sustainability, environmental quality and, as a consequence of both, has bearing on plant, animal and human
health. Improving soil biodiversity is vital to ensuring soil health and future food and nutrition security.” http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4551e.pdf
Transition to Organics 