What does the term "Herbicide" refer to?

The term "herbicide" specifically refers to a type of pesticide designed to kill or inhibit the growth of plants, particularly unwanted ones such as weeds. Herbicides are commonly used in agriculture and gardening to manage unwanted vegetation and can be selective, targeting specific types of plants while leaving desired crops unharmed, or non-selective, affecting all vegetation in the area of application. Understanding this definition is important for anyone involved in pest management or farming practices, as it informs decisions about how to control plant growth in various settings. The other options describe different types of substances or functions not related to the definition of herbicides, focusing instead on insecticides, soil enhancers, and erosion prevention.