(3) Soil herbicides. Soil herbicides are those that are applied to the soil,
absorbed by the roots, and translocated to other parts of the plant.
(4) Soil-sterilant herbicides. Soil-sterilant herbicides make the soil
incapable of supporting higher plant life; however, they do not necessarily kill all life,
such as fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Toxic effects may persist for only a
short time or for years, depending upon the chemical, the soil, and the rate of
application.
(5) Pre-emergence herbicides. Pre-emergence herbicides are those
applied to the soil before the foliage of the weed appears above the soil surface. They
may kill by contact or they may be translocated from the point of entry into roots, stems,
or leaves. Some inhibit photosynthesis, while others effect growth processes such as
cell division and elongation.
1-15. STANDARD MILITARY HERBICIDES
The standard herbicides on the military stock list are shown in Table 1-2. It
should be noted that, although these pesticides are standard items, they may be
procured and used only by trained, certified personnel. They are of concern to AMEDD
agencies primarily from the standpoint of toxicity. Table 1-2 lists the standard
herbicides on which data are available, showing the name, the type of growth for which
used, principal mode of action, and toxicity of each chemical. Additional information on
herbicides is contained in TM 5-629, Weed Control and Plant Growth Regulation.
Although the dermal toxicities of the herbicides are low in general, many of them are
irritating to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Herbicide labels, required on all herbicide
containers, list the hazards of each chemical and warn operators or consumers to
protect themselves from such hazards. Any person having occasion to handle a
herbicide should, as with any other pesticide, carefully read the information on the label.
MD0173
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