Vol. 8, Special Issue 8, Part N (2024)

Abstract: Integrative habitat management strategies offer sustainable solutions for insect pest control in natural farming systems. This review examines the characteristics and mechanisms of habitat manipulation, emphasizing adaptation of agricultural systems to local environments, optimization of biological resources, and implementation of minimally disruptive techniques. The underlying mechanisms are discussed through the lens of the top-down “enemies hypothesis” and the bottom-up “resource concentration hypothesis.” Key techniques reviewed include summer ploughing, mulching, earthing-up, intercropping, and border cropping. Summer ploughing exposes overwintering pests to detrimental sunlight while mulching with organic materials like rice straw supports populations of natural enemies. Intercropping complicates pest host location suppressing weeds and providing habitats for beneficial organisms. Border crops function as barriers to pest entry with specific plants deterring wildlife and enhancing biological control. This review highlights the potential of these strategies within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks and underscores the need for further research to optimize these approaches across different cropping systems and assess their long-term impacts on agroecosystem health under natural farming.