What is the overall goal of using pesticides?

The overall goal of using pesticides is to control or eliminate pests that can harm crops and other plants. Pests, which can include insects, weeds, fungi, and other unwanted organisms, pose a significant threat to agriculture by reducing the quantity and quality of crops. By applying pesticides, a pest manager aims to protect plants from being damaged, thereby safeguarding the food supply and economic viability of farming operations.

This focus on pest control is crucial because if left unchecked, pests can lead to significant crop losses, increased susceptibility to diseases, and ultimately, decreased agricultural productivity. The application of pesticides is part of an integrated pest management approach that combines chemical, cultural, biological, and mechanical methods to effectively manage pest populations while minimizing negative environmental impact.

While enhancing soil quality, increasing crop yield, and providing nutrients to plants are important objectives in agriculture, they do not encapsulate the primary and direct intention behind pesticide use. Pesticides are specifically designed to target unwanted organisms rather than to fulfill the other goals listed.