How can using row covers affect pest control?

Using row covers is an effective pest control method because they physically block insects from reaching plants. Row covers are lightweight fabrics placed over crops to create a protective barrier. This barrier prevents common pests from accessing the plants, which can help reduce damage caused by insect feeding and the potential spread of diseases carried by these pests.

By limiting pest access, row covers help support the healthy growth of the plants without the use of chemical pesticides. Additionally, they can create a microclimate that can protect young plants from frost and extreme weather conditions, further enhancing plant health.

In contrast, focusing on the options that do not align with how row covers assist in pest control, improving soil quality pertains to soil management practices rather than pest deterrence. Providing direct sunlight is not accurate, as while row covers can allow some light to pass through, their primary purpose is pest exclusion. Attracting beneficial insects, while an essential aspect of an integrated pest management approach, is unrelated to the function of row covers since these covers primarily block rather than attract insects.