Which practice is least likely to support sustainable agriculture?

Frequent application of pesticides is least likely to support sustainable agriculture because it can lead to a range of environmental and health issues. Sustainable agriculture aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practices that promote biodiversity, enhance soil health, and reduce environmental impact are key components of sustainable methods.

Frequent pesticide use can contribute to problems such as pesticide resistance in pests, harming non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and pollinators, and contaminating soil and water resources. In contrast, practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, and organic farming methods work to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs, all of which are fundamental to sustainability.