Field Crop 2025, Vol.8, No.5, 222-230 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 225 3.3 Yield losses and economic implications of unmanaged biotic stress Ultimately, if weeds and insects are not controlled, it is equivalent to giving up the door to yield. A production cut of over 60% is not an extreme case; it has been recorded in many places. The economic account behind it is also very realistic: on one hand, it is well managed, with high output and good benefits; On the other side, there is a lot of grass and insects, and money is also wasted (Bankoti and Nautiyal, 2021). Especially in those rain-fed farmlands that rely on the weather for their livelihood, resources are already tight. Once the output drops, farmers may not even be able to cover their basic annual income and expenditure, let alone ensure food security. 4 Foundations of Integrated Weed and Pest Management (IWPM) 4.1 Concept and principles of integration in pest and weed control Some people are accustomed to relying on a certain method to deal with weeds or pests, such as spraying pesticides, but the problem is-this approach won't last long. Drug resistance is a huge pitfall. If not handled carefully, it can even affect the ecological environment. The concept proposed by IWPM is different. It advocates the combined use of planting, mechanical means, biological methods and chemical methods. Why? Because the combination of measures is more stable, it is less likely for pests, diseases and grasses to adapt, and it also exerts less pressure on the environment. Take lentils as an example. By appropriately increasing the sowing density, implementing crop rotation, applying some mulching or manual weeding, and precisely using herbicides and biopesticides, not only are the weeds and pests suppressed, but the yield is also guaranteed (Redlick et al., 2017). Ultimately, IWPM is not about which method is more powerful, but rather about "how to combine and when to use". The real skill lies in using it skillfully. 4.2 Compatibility and synergy between weed and pest management strategies It's easier said than done. Whether comprehensive management can be effective actually depends on whether these methods can be well coordinated. For instance, some herbicides work well before the emergence of seedlings, but they are not stable enough when used alone. At this time, if they are combined with mechanical weeding or manual remediation, the growth of weeds can be better suppressed. While biofertilifiers and biopesticides may not have such immediate effects at first glance, once combined with reasonable farming methods, they can not only prevent diseases but also promote growth (Kumari et al., 2020). Many studies point to one conclusion: comprehensive usage is often better than going it alone. After all, weeds and pests are never a single threat. Only by taking a multi-pronged approach can one avoid being overwhelmed. 4.3 Environmental and economic sustainability of IWPM in lentil cultivation Many people, upon hearing the terms "ecological sustainability" and "environmental friendliness", think that more money will be spent. However, this is not always the case. This comprehensive approach of IWPM can actually save a considerable amount of money. Reducing reliance on chemical pesticides can prevent damage to pesticides, resistance, as well as harm to beneficial insects and soil. From an economic perspective, this approach can also make production more stable and resource utilization higher, thereby increasing net income (Lhungdim et al., 2013). Some practices, such as covering or using plant extracts to control weeds and kill pests, neither harm crops nor pollute the environment, and are highly feasible. In the long run, they are both cost-effective and safer. 5 Key Integrated Weed and Pest Management (IWPM) Strategies in Lentil Systems 5.1 Cultural methods: crop rotation, stale seedbed technique, intercropping with cereals No matter what management method is adopted, the foundation still needs to start from the planting method. For environmentally sensitive crops like lentils, seemingly ordinary details such as sowing methods and crop rotation arrangements actually have a significant impact on weeds and pests. For instance, when the seeding rate is doubled and combined with mechanical methods such as rotary tillage, harrowing, and interrow weeding, the effect of weed control will be significantly enhanced, making it particularly suitable for organic or low-input planting systems. In some places, "aged seedbeds" have also been adopted-that is, the land is prepared in advance to allow the weeds to sprout first, and then they are removed before sowing, laying an early "ambush strike". In addition, intercropping with grains is also a good approach. It not only increases the surface coverage but also enhances the efficiency of resource utilization, naturally making it less likely to leave loopholes for weeds.
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