What effect does healthy soil have on plants in relation to pest management?

Healthy soil has a significant impact on the overall health and resilience of plants, which in turn plays a crucial role in pest management. When soil is healthy, it contains a balanced ecosystem of nutrients, beneficial microorganisms, and organic matter that promote strong plant growth. This vigorous growth leads to robust plants that are better equipped to withstand pest attacks.

Healthy soil enhances the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively. Well-nourished plants can develop stronger cell walls and produce chemical compounds that act as natural defenses against pests. This can result in reduced susceptibility to pests, as the plants can either deter them or recover from infestations more quickly. Additionally, plants grown in healthy soil are often more capable of coping with stress, further enhancing their resilience.

In contrast, options indicating that healthy soil makes plants weaker or increases their pesticide needs do not align with the agronomic principles regarding plant-soil health relationships. Similarly, the assertion that healthy soil has no effect on pests contradicts the established understanding of how plants interact with their environment and pests. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the beneficial role healthy soil plays in allowing plants to resist pests effectively.