The term that describes non-living elements such as air pollutants, water, and temperature is "abiotic factors." Abiotic factors are the physical and chemical components of the environment that influence the living organisms within that ecosystem. They include elements like temperature, light, water, soil composition, and various atmospheric conditions.
Understanding abiotic factors is crucial in the context of pesticide application, as these elements can affect the behavior and efficacy of pesticides, as well as the health of the ecosystem. For instance, certain temperatures or moisture levels can influence how a pesticide reacts and its potential impact on target and non-target organisms.
The other terms listed do not capture the essence of non-living components. Biotic factors refer to living organisms and their interactions within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Environmental pressures generally refer to factors that affect the survival and reproduction of living organisms, which can include both biotic and abiotic factors but does not specifically refer to non-living elements. Ecological variables, while similar, is a broader term that encompasses both biotic and abiotic factors without specifically highlighting the non-living aspects. Thus, abiotic factors is the most precise term for the question's context.