Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
One of the major characteristics limiting the usefulness of pre-emergence herbicide applications concerns the persistence of chemical activity in the soil. In many instances, the herbicides break down too quickly to obtain satisfactory weed control. On the other hand, there is the possible hazard that a chemical may be too persistent and thus endanger the growth of succeeding crops. Another closely related factor is susceptibility to leaching. It is especially important when chemicals are used that are toxic to the crop plants as well as the weeds.