permaculture

(Michael S) #1
Workshop Module 9: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 247

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ILITATOR

Presentation : Integrated Pest Management (IPM)


Method : Facilitator presentation

Tools : Images, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 9 – Integrated Pest Management

Objective    :  Participants    understand  the concept and benefits    of  IPM

Pest problems occur because a system is not in balance.


Some different reasons for pest problems include:



  • Fires, floods, and land clearing.

  • Using large areas of land for only one crop (monoculture).

  • The introduction of a pest to an area.

  • Destruction of pest predators because of using pesticides or removing pest
    predator habitats.


Long–term pest management solutions need to bring back a natural balance
between croplands, gardens, and the natural environment. This can sometimes
take many years, so IPM also includes short-term solutions such as natural pesticides.


IPM combines different natural pest management techniques to:



  • Reduce the chances of pest problems happening.

  • Reduce the size of the pest problems that do occur.

  • Use natural treatments for any problems that do occur.


Every part of the environment is connected to every other part, including people. What
happens to one part of a system or environment WILL affect every other
part of the system or environment. This is an important philosophy behind IPM and
future sustainability. For IPM to be successful we need to understand how different parts
of a system work and how they can work together (e.g. soil, insects, plants and trees,
birds, animals, water, people, technology).


IPM systems will help to:



  • Use fewer resources and expensive products because the farm will maintain
    itself more and more. Also, the resources that are needed are mostly local
    resources.

  • Improve the soil, plants, and environment.

  • Increase overall productivity of the land.

  • Increased diversity and resilience to pests, diseases, and extreme weather.

  • Improve the health of people in the area.

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