What type of herbicide typically targets multiple plant species?

Nonselective herbicides are designed to target a wide range of plant species, making them suitable for applications where the goal is to eliminate all vegetation in a specific area. These herbicides work by disrupting the physiological processes common to many plants, irrespective of their species. As a result, they are often utilized in areas that require complete vegetation management, such as industrial sites, railroads, and non-crop land.

In contrast, selective herbicides are formulated to target specific types of plants, such as annual weeds while leaving perennials or desirable crops unharmed. Preemergent herbicides are applied before the targeted weeds germinate, preventing their growth rather than eliminating existing vegetation. Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plants and can kill them from the inside out, but they can be either selective or nonselective depending on their composition, focusing on particular plant species rather than targeting multiple species.