What are pesticides primarily used for?

Pesticides are primarily used to destroy, prevent, or control pests that can harm crops, plants, and structures. This includes a wide range of organisms such as insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents that can negatively impact agricultural productivity and public health. By targeting these pests, pesticides help protect crops from damage, thus ensuring better yields and maintaining the health of both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

While other options like enhancing plant growth, improving soil quality, or fertilizing crops may contribute to plant health and productivity, they do not directly pertain to the primary function of pesticides. Pesticides focus specifically on managing pest populations, which is critical for effective pest management strategies in agriculture and land management.