Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which of the following is a potential consequence of herbicide drift?

1. Crop failure

2. Enhanced soil quality

3. Improved pest control

4. Increased crop yield

The correct answer is: Crop failure

Herbicide drift refers to the movement of herbicide chemicals from the target area to non-target areas, often due to wind or other environmental factors. One of the most significant potential consequences of herbicide drift is crop failure. When herbicides are unintentionally applied to sensitive crops, they can damage or destroy those crops, leading to reduced vigor or complete loss of yield. This can result in economic losses for farmers, as damaged crops can lead to diminished harvests and increased costs for replanting or remediation. In contrast, options that mention enhanced soil quality, improved pest control, and increased crop yield do not align with the effects of herbicide drift. Herbicide drift typically does not contribute positively to soil health or pest management and is unlikely to improve crop yields; rather, it has the opposite effect on non-target crops. Therefore, the potential for crop failure as a result of herbicide drift underscores the importance of careful application and management of herbicides in agricultural practices.