What substance prevents plants from surviving in a treated area for an extended period?

A soil sterilant is a substance specifically designed to eliminate all forms of life in the soil, including plants, seeds, and microorganisms. This makes it highly effective for creating an area where no vegetation can grow for a significant duration, which is vital for certain agricultural practices or for clearing areas before construction. The use of soil sterilants can lead to prolonged periods where the treated soil remains uninhabitable for plant life, preventing any regrowth.

In contrast, herbicides target specific types of plants or weeds but may allow other plants to survive or regrow afterward. Fungicides are aimed at controlling fungal diseases affecting plants, while insecticides target insect pests and do not have the capacity to sterilize soil or prevent plant survival in the same manner as a soil sterilant. Thus, the effectiveness and purpose of a soil sterilant make it the right choice for this question.