Which is a characteristic feature of non-selective herbicides?

Non-selective herbicides are designed to eliminate a broad spectrum of plant types, rather than focusing on specific species. This means they are effective against both desirable plants and weeds alike, making them useful for particular applications such as preparing land for planting or controlling unwanted vegetation in non-crop areas. Their mode of action typically leads to the death of essentially all plants that come into contact with the chemical, which is distinct from selective herbicides that target specific weeds while leaving other plants unharmed.

While considerations around annual plants, soil residues, and targeting capabilities might be relevant for other herbicides, the defining characteristic of non-selective herbicides is their ability to kill all plant types indiscriminately. This broad-spectrum efficacy is critical for users to understand when deciding how and where to apply such herbicides, ensuring they do so in appropriate settings where the impact on all vegetation is acceptable.