Herbicides and the Range Ecosystem: Residues, Research, and the Role of Rangemen

Abstract

Increasing sophistication in application techniques, herbicide chemistry, and related technology in conjunction with intensified public awareness of herbicide use on rangeland has provided the impetus for research on the fate of herbicides in the range ecosystem. The complexity of the range ecosystem in comparison to monocultural systems dictates that persons versed in range ecology and herbicide technology conduct necessary research and play a dominant role in interpretation of results. The role of the atmosphere, ecosystem surfaces, vegetation, soil, and water in herbicide transfer and dissipation from the range ecosystem are reviewed. Properly applied, herbicides applicable to range improvement programs provide excellent levels of weed and brush control without undue hazard to sensitive crops; do not endanger man, his livestock or wildlife; and, in most cases, are dissipated from the ecosystem during the growing season in which they are applied.