Which set of practices are collectively described as cultural and mechanical control?

• A. Biological and chemical control
• B. Crop Rotation and Mowing
• C. Cultivation, Mowing, Mulching, Crop Competition, and Crop Rotation
• D. Biological control

Answer: (C)

Cultural and mechanical control refers to weed management practices that alter the growing environment or crop system without using chemicals or biological agents. The set includes cultivation, mowing, mulching, crop competition, and crop rotation, all working by physical or agronomic means. Cultivation disturbs the soil to uproot or bury weed seedlings; mowing removes the aboveground parts and reduces seed production; mulching blocks light and suppresses weed germination; crop competition uses a vigorous crop to shade and outcompete weeds; crop rotation disrupts weed lifecycles and reduces weed buildup. Chemical control relies on herbicides and biological control uses living organisms, which are not part of this approach.