Which of the following describes a common use of insecticides?

Insecticides are specifically designed to control insects that can affect crops and livestock. Their primary use is to manage pest populations, thereby preventing damage to plants and animals. By targeting harmful insects, insecticides help protect agricultural productivity and can improve the quality of the produce. While other options involve essential agricultural practices, they do not pertain directly to the function of insecticides. Soil cultivation focuses on preparing the land for planting, disease management addresses issues related to plant pathogens rather than insects, and fertilization involves providing nutrients to plants. Hence, pest control is the most accurate description of a common use of insecticides.