How do selective herbicides differ from non-selective herbicides?

Selective herbicides are designed to target specific types of plants while leaving others unharmed. This specificity allows them to be used in various settings, such as lawns or agricultural fields, where maintaining certain plants (like desirable grasses or crops) is crucial while controlling weeds or unwanted species. The chemicals in selective herbicides affect physiological processes that are unique to certain plant types, which enables them to eliminate specific targets without harming other plants.

In contrast, non-selective herbicides do not differentiate between plant types and are designed to kill all vegetation they come into contact with. This characteristic makes them suitable for areas where complete vegetation control is desired, such as in industrial sites or on roadsides. Understanding this fundamental difference is key for effective weed management and ensuring that desired plants are not inadvertently harmed during treatment.