What kind of herbicide is Glyphosate classified as?

Glyphosate is classified as a nonselective herbicide, meaning it kills or inhibits the growth of all types of vegetation, including both broadleaf and grassy plants. This characteristic allows it to be effectively used in various applications, particularly in areas where complete plant control is desired, such as in agricultural settings or during land clearing.

As a nonselective herbicide, glyphosate is particularly useful for managing weeds and unwanted vegetation without regard to the specific types of plants present. This broad-spectrum activity is due to its mode of action, which involves inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway found in plants and some microorganisms, but not in animals, making it safe for application where animals may roam.

In contrast, a selective herbicide targets specific plant species while leaving others unharmed, which is not the case with glyphosate. While glyphosate can be persistent, effectively controlling weeds for an extended period, its classification as nonselective is its most defining characteristic. Also, while glyphosate can be applied both pre-emergent (before weed seeds germinate) and post-emergent (after the weeds have emerged), the classification of pre and post application refers to application timing rather than the herbicide's selectivity.