Herbicide: Its Role in Modern Day Agriculture and Its Different Types

The agricultural land needs to be fertile and free from unwanted plant growth to ensure the right crop can be grown in every season. However, many invasive species and agricultural weeds grow on such lands and affect the growth of the main crop. These unwanted plants deplete the nutrition of the soil and negatively impact plant growth. This is why herbicides are used on farmland.

Some of the best herbicides are known to inhibit and restrict the growth of unwanted plants and species that hinder the overall crop growth of a particular season. Farmers use herbicides before or during plantations for best results. 

Different Types of Herbicides

There are a number of herbicides that are available on the market, including:

Translocated Herbicides

This herbicide is used on the affected area of the plant. It is considered the best herbicide for wheat as it kills weed growth within 2–3 weeks.

Contact Herbicides

Contact herbicide is also applied to the affected area, which is completely covered for fast action and results.

Selective Herbicides

Selective herbicides are applied directly to the plant and work on eliminating weed growth without impacting overall plant growth.

Non-Selective Herbicides

This herbicide is applied cautiously to the affected area as it works on the targeted area. It is important not to apply this herbicide to other parts of the plant, as it can damage plant development.

Residual Herbicide

This herbicide is applied to the soil, where it stays for a long time, inhibiting further weed growth.

Non-Residual Herbicide

This herbicide has a quick-absorbing nature. So, it does not affect plant growth negatively.

Post-Emergent and Pre-emergent Herbicides

In addition to the above-mentioned types, there are post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides that focus on the timing of application. Post-emergent herbicides are applied if the farm field has weed growth, whereas pre-emergent herbicide treatment is applied before weed growth occurs on the farmland.

Often, farmers use herbicide mixtures on the affected area for the best results. However, many herbicides are not efficient if used in a mixture, so consecutively using them is the best option. When buying herbicides, looking for past patterns and what worked in the past helps. Today, farmers do not need to wait for the development of weed pressure; applying herbicides in the pre-growth stage restricts further growth of weeds as the herbicide seeps into the seed germination zone and works effectively.