How are beneficial nematodes used in pest management?

Beneficial nematodes are effective biological control agents that specifically target soil-dwelling pests. When introduced into the soil, these microscopic roundworms seek out and infect certain pests such as grubs, cutworms, and other larvae that live below the surface. Upon entering the host, the nematodes release bacteria that help kill the pest, allowing the nematodes to reproduce and continue the cycle of pest control. This method is particularly advantageous because it minimizes the use of chemical pesticides and promotes a more sustainable pest management strategy.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary use of beneficial nematodes. Spraying them on foliage is not effective since nematodes are not designed to target pests in that environment. Planting them alongside turf would not provide the necessary proximity to the target pests they are meant to control, and their incorporation into compost piles does not utilize their pest control potential effectively, as they are more suited to direct application in the soil where the pests reside.