What is the likely result when weeds outgrow crops?

When weeds outgrow crops, the most likely result is reduced crop yields. This scenario occurs because weeds compete with crops for essential resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil. As the weeds grow larger and more prolific, they can overshadow the crops, limiting their access to light and hampering their growth. This competition can lead to stunted growth in the crops and diminishes their ability to produce fruit or grain effectively, ultimately resulting in lower yields.

Additionally, when weeds dominate an area, they can also create a less favorable microenvironment for the crop plants, further reducing their productivity. Consequently, managing weed growth is crucial in agricultural practices to ensure that crops can thrive and achieve their potential yields. The other options, such as increased soil fertility, better pest control, or enhanced crop quality, do not directly arise from the phenomenon of weeds outgrowing crops and thus are not the likely outcomes in this scenario.