Herbicides

Definition of Herbicides

Herbicides are chemical substances specifically formulated to control, suppress, or eliminate unwanted plants, commonly referred to as weeds. They are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and landscaping to maintain crop health, improve yields, and reduce competition for resources such as light, nutrients, and water.

Herbicides can be classified based on their mode of action, target species, timing of application, or persistence in the environment, and are often used as part of integrated weed management strategies.

Why Herbicides Matter

Herbicides matter because they play a critical role in modern agriculture and land management, providing several benefits while also requiring careful use to avoid environmental and health risks. Key points include:

• Crop yield protection – Reducing competition from weeds allows crops to grow efficiently

• Labour and time efficiency – Chemical control can be faster and less labour-intensive than manual weeding

• Support for large-scale farming – Enables the management of extensive agricultural areas

• Integration with sustainable practices – When used responsibly, herbicides complement techniques such as crop rotation, mulching, and cover cropping

Responsible herbicide use is essential to protect human health, biodiversity, and soil and water resources.

Key Principles of Herbicide Use

• Target-Specific Application – Selecting herbicides appropriate for specific weeds or crops

• Mode of Action Consideration – Understanding how herbicides affect plant physiology to reduce resistance

• Timing and Frequency – Applying at the optimal growth stage for effectiveness

• Integration with Cultural Practices – Combining chemical, mechanical, and biological control methods

• Environmental Stewardship – Minimising off-target effects and protecting water, soil, and non-target species

• Resistance Management – Rotating herbicides and methods to prevent herbicide-resistant weed populations

• Regulatory Compliance – Following legal guidelines, safety standards, and label instructions

Related Terms

• Pesticides

• Weed Management

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Sustainable Agriculture

• Crop Protection

• Soil Health

Useful Resources on Herbicides

Explore these authoritative resources to learn more about herbicides, weed control, and sustainable crop management:

• FAO – Weed Management and Herbicide Use – Global guidance on integrated weed management and herbicide practices.

• USDA – Herbicide Research and Guidelines – Research-based resources for safe and effective herbicide use.

• CABI – Weed Management Resources – Technical knowledge on herbicide modes of action and integrated approaches.

• AGRIS – Herbicide Research Database – Peer-reviewed studies on herbicide efficacy and sustainable applications.

• European Commission – Plant Protection Products – Policy and regulatory framework for herbicides in the EU.

• DEFRA – Weed Control and Pesticide Guidance (UK) – Official guidance for responsible herbicide application.

• International Weed Science Society (IWSS) – Research, conferences, and best practices on weed management.