What is one consequence of pest competition for space and nutrients?

Pest competition for space and nutrients can lead to higher production costs for several reasons. When pests compete with crops for these critical resources, the overall health and yields of the plants can be negatively impacted. This often results in the need for increased inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and other management practices to mitigate the pests' effects.

When plants are stressed due to insufficient nutrients or space, they may exhibit stunted growth or reduced productivity, leading farmers to spend more on interventions to protect their crops. This situation can also increase labor costs and management time, as monitoring and controlling pest populations become necessary steps to ensure that crop yields remain profitable.

Consequently, the financial burden of managing pest competition and its effects translates into higher production costs for growers.