What are trap crops used for?

Trap crops serve a specific role in pest management by attracting pests away from the main crop. This strategy leverages the behavior of certain insects that may prefer the trap crop to the primary crop being cultivated. By planting a trap crop, growers can effectively draw pests to these plants, thereby reducing the potential damage to the main crops.

This method can help in minimizing the need for chemical pesticides, as it encourages a more natural form of pest control. The effectiveness of trap cropping comes from the idea that the trap crop can either be more appealing to pests or serve as a decoy, thereby safeguarding the overall health and yield of the primary crops.

Using trap crops doesn't directly enhance soil quality, increase crop yield, or control soil erosion, which are roles associated with different agricultural practices. Instead, the primary function of trap crops is to act as a proactive defense mechanism in integrated pest management plans.