What is typically the major cause of herbicide failure?

Herbicide failure is often primarily linked to application errors, which can encompass a variety of factors such as incorrect dosage, improper timing, or inadequate equipment calibration. For instance, if the herbicide is applied at the wrong growth stage of the target plant, it may not be effective in controlling the weed population. Similarly, if the sprayer is not calibrated correctly, the application rate might be too low to achieve the desired control level, or it could result in uneven coverage, leaving some areas untreated. Furthermore, applying herbicides under adverse weather conditions—such as high winds or rain shortly after application—can also significantly impact the effectiveness of the treatment, leading to failure in getting the expected results.

Understanding the critical importance of correct application practices helps ensure that herbicides perform as intended, ultimately contributing to successful weed management and crop health.