What is the purpose of herbicides in agriculture?

Herbicides are specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants, commonly known as weeds. Weeds can compete with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients, potentially reducing yields and affecting overall crop health. By using herbicides, farmers can effectively manage weed populations and create an environment more conducive to the growth of desired crops. This targeted approach helps improve agricultural productivity and can lead to better economic outcomes for farmers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of herbicides. While enhancing soil fertility or promoting plant growth are important aspects of agriculture, these functions are typically achieved through soil management practices, fertilizers, and other plant growth regulators, rather than herbicides. Similarly, accelerating photosynthesis is a process intrinsically linked to plant physiology and cannot be the role of herbicides, which focus solely on weed control.