What can result from applying herbicide at too high a rate?

Applying herbicide at too high a rate can lead to injury to nontarget organisms, which is a significant concern in agriculture and ecological stewardship. When herbicides are applied in excess, not only do they affect the target plants, but they can also negatively impact surrounding plants, beneficial insects, aquatic life, and other wildlife. This injury can manifest as phytotoxicity, which may cause leaf curling, stunted growth, or even death of nontarget species.

In addition, over-application can disrupt ecological balances, leading to adverse effects on biodiversity and the overall health of the ecosystem. Recognizing that herbicides are designed to selectively target certain weeds while leaving crops and other organisms unharmed, careful management and application at recommended rates is crucial to prevent unintended damage to the environment.