Herbicides are chemicals used to control or eliminate unwanted plants, commonly referred to as weeds. Weeds can compete with crops for sunlight, nutrients, and water, leading to reduced crop yields. Herbicides help to maintain the health and productivity of agricultural land by managing these undesirable plants.
There are different types of herbicides, including:
- Selective Herbicides: These target specific types of plants while leaving the desired crops relatively unharmed.
- Non-Selective Herbicides: These kill all plants they come in contact with and are often used in areas where no plant growth is wanted, such as along railways or in industrial sites.
- Contact Herbicides: These kill only the parts of the plant they touch and are most effective on annual weeds.
Systemic Herbicides: These are absorbed by the plant and transported throughout its tissues, killing the entire plant, including the roots. They are effective against perennial weeds.
