What is the purpose of preplant incorporation of herbicides?

The purpose of preplant incorporation of herbicides is to mix herbicides with soil before planting. This method ensures that the herbicide is evenly distributed in the soil where it can effectively control weed growth that may compete with the crops. Incorporating the herbicide helps protect it from degradation by UV light and rain, improving its efficacy against target weeds.

Applying herbicides prior to planting allows for their action to take place before the crop emerges, effectively minimizing competition as the crops grow. This technique can lead to better crop establishment and yields. The correct answer reflects the practice of incorporating the herbicide directly into the soil, which is crucial for its effectiveness.

The other options do not align with this concept, as applying herbicides after planting would not be preplant incorporation, and applying to foliage pertains to a different method of application. Likewise, providing moisture for seed germination does not describe the function or method of preplant incorporation of herbicides.