Chemical Control vs Biological Control Essays

Chemical Control vs Biological Control Essays Chemical Control vs Biological Control Essay Chemical Control vs Biological Control Essay Chemical Control Chemical pesticides are substances that are manufactured in laboratories that, when applied to crops, reduce the vitality of pest populations while leaving crops unharmed. There are many chemicals available to help eradicate common pests in a number of ways. Chemical controls can kill pests that come in contact with the chemical (toxicants), eliminate the reproductive potential of pests (sterilants), disrupt their developmental potential (growth regulators) or influence their behaviour (semiochemicals). Most of these chemical controls are fast acting and effective. Biological Control Biological control methods employ the use of living organisms such as predators, parasites and pathogens to control the populations of pests on agricultural crops. Biological control agents can be bred and reared in large numbers and then released into infected crops to reduce the populations of pests (augmentation) or simple land conservation measures can be implemented on agricultural lands that maintain healthy populations of native predators (conservation). Many pests that cause damages to crops thrive because they are invasive and have no natural predators. Finding and importing predators of these invasive pests is essential for effective biological pest control. Benefits Chemical controls are cheap and readily available. Chemical controls, especially toxicants, have been in use since the 1940s and have remained in popular use due to their fast acting and effective results in controlling pest populations. Many new chemicals have been developed in recent years that are even more efficient in controlling pests, maintaining the popularity of chemical control in agricultural practices. However, biological control has seen an increase in use in recent years due to its perennial and organic nature. Many biological control methods remain in effect year after year, limiting pests without any additional costs or synthetic additives to the natural environment. Considerations While chemical controls are often effective they are usually seasonal and require reapplication with each growing season. Biological controls may take a longer period of time to see the desired results, but they only require the initial investment and ntroduction to control pests. Chemical controls also have additional environmental costs. Many chemical pesticides are persistent in the environment, damage organisms other than the pests they are meant to control (including humans) and are not permanently effective, as pest populations can build up a resistance to chemicals over time. Thus, while chemical controls may be more economical and effective in the short term, their use requires caution and consideration for future costs, both environmental and economic. Integration While some landowners look only at seasonal profits and depend on chemical methods, others contemplate only the environmental sustainability of their practices and opt for biological methods. However, many landowners blend chemical and well as reduce the environmental impact on their land. The use of multiple pest control methods is referred to as integrated pest management (IPM). Dense infestations often require the potency of chemical pest control but limited application, coupled with preventative biological control, is the most effective agricultural management practice.