Why should preventive measures and biological control methods be preferred for protecting crops?

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Problem**: The question asks why preventive measures and biological control methods should be preferred for protecting crops instead of relying solely on chemical methods.

2. **Identifying the Issues with Chemical Use**: Overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides can lead to significant damage to crops. This includes:
- Direct damage to the crops.
- Negative impact on soil fertility due to the depletion of organic matter.
- Harm to soil microorganisms, which are essential for maintaining soil health.
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