Disadvantages:
- Herbicides can kill beneficial soil organisms, cause soil erosion, and contaminate groundwater.
- Herbicides can also deplete the organic matter in soils, leading to poor soil structure and decreased water-holding capacity. As a result, soils become more susceptible to erosion by water and wind. In addition, herbicides can leach through the soil and contaminate groundwater.
- Soil erosion is a major problem in agricultural areas because it can lead to loss of topsoil. Topsoil is the layer of soil that is most rich in nutrients and is necessary for plant growth. Without vegetation to hold the soil in place, wind and water can easily erode it.
- Herbicides can also contaminate groundwater, making it unsafe to drink. Groundwater is water that is found underground in aquifers. It is a major source of drinking water for many people. If herbicides contaminate groundwater, it can make it unsafe to drink.