What is one effect of allowing pest populations to exceed beneficial levels?

Allowing pest populations to exceed beneficial levels can lead to potential crop damage. When pests are not controlled, they can reproduce rapidly and reach numbers that threaten the health of crops, leading to substantial damage. This can manifest as weakened plants, reduced growth, and in severe cases, complete crop loss. The balance between pest populations and beneficial organisms is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems within agricultural settings. Excessive pests can compromise not only the yield of the crops but also the overall sustainability of farming practices, affecting long-term soil health and productivity.