What are soil fumigants used for?

Soil fumigants are specifically designed to control soil-borne pests, which include fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. These pests can severely impact crop health and yield. The fumigants work by penetrating the soil and creating a toxic environment for these pathogens, ultimately reducing their populations and thereby promoting healthier plant growth by minimizing diseases. This is particularly crucial in agricultural settings where soil health is fundamental to achieving optimal crop production.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of soil fumigants. Enhancing plant growth, fertilizing the soil, or attracting beneficial insects are not functions of fumigants; rather, they are aspects related to other agricultural practices or products. Fertilizers, for example, are used to provide necessary nutrients to plants, while methods to attract beneficial insects involve different strategies entirely, such as planting certain types of flowers or using pheromone traps.