Which of the following is NOT a benefit of healthy soil in pest management?

Healthy soil plays a crucial role in pest management by fostering an environment that supports plant health and resilience, promotes water retention, and enhances nutrient cycling. Each of these benefits contributes to the overall ability of plants to withstand pest pressures.

Improved plant resilience is significant because healthy soil provides essential nutrients and promotes strong root systems, which enable plants to better fend off pests and diseases. This resilience is vital for maintaining healthy crops and ecosystems.

Increased water retention is another important factor. Healthy soil has a structure that allows it to hold moisture, which is critical during dry periods. This moisture availability helps plants stay healthy and reduces stress, making them less susceptible to pest attacks.

Enhanced nutrient cycling refers to the process by which soil organisms break down organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. Efficient nutrient cycling ensures that plants receive the necessary elements for growth, further strengthening their defenses against pests.

In contrast, higher pest reproduction rates are not a benefit of healthy soil. In fact, healthy soils foster conditions that often reduce pest populations by promoting biodiversity, aiding in natural pest control, and enhancing plant health, which can make them less attractive or accessible to pests. Therefore, higher pest reproduction rates contradict the benefits typically associated with healthy soil in pest management.