What does the term "non-selective" refer to in the context of herbicides?

In the context of herbicides, "non-selective" refers to products that affect all plants indiscriminately. This means that when a non-selective herbicide is applied, it will typically kill or damage any plant it comes in contact with, rather than targeting specific species. This characteristic can be beneficial in situations where broad-spectrum weed control is necessary, such as in the preparation of areas for new plantings or in controlling dense vegetation, but it also requires careful application to avoid harming desirable plants.

On the other hand, selective herbicides are designed to target specific weeds while leaving other plants unharmed. The distinctions become important in agricultural and landscape management practices, where the goal is to manage weeds without negatively impacting the surrounding flora. The other options do not align with the definition of non-selective herbicides, as they reference limited effects or target organisms other than plants, which do not accurately describe the action of these herbicides.