What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemical herbicides?
| advantages | disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Act quickly and reliably. | Pollute the environment. |
| Now mostly bee-friendly. | Harmful to aquatic organisms. |
| Effortless to apply. | Can also be dangerous for children and pets. |
| Work long-term. | May cause irritation to the skin and eyes. |
| Modern products are biodegradable. | Can also destroy desired plants, as they do not only affect weeds. |
| Combination preparations also act as fertilizers. | May only be used within the strict framework of the Plant Protection Act. |
Which chemical weed killers are there?
The specialist trade has a large number of different products that promise a comprehensive effect. These are available in powder or liquid form. They can be sprinkled on the plant according to the dosage indicated on the packaging or dissolved in water and sprayed onto the plant.
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Glyphosate, an active ingredient that is almost always present
This preparation is currently on everyone's lips, as it is assumed that its application involves a lasting risk to humans and animals. The agent can be found in many weed killers available in Germany. It is known as a total herbicide because it ensures reliable death of all plants. The only exceptions are genetically modified and thus resistant crops. The very good effect is based on a blockade of the amino acid production.
Lawn weed killer with fertilizer (combined preparations)
Some fertilizers, for example for the lawn, have effective weed killers added. If you want to use them, you should make sure that they are not dangerous to bees. Then you can also use them to treat blooming weeds.
How will the funds be used?
That depends on which product you are applying. Strictly follow the instructions printed on the packaging. Almost all weed killers should only be applied in dry weather so that the agents do not seep into the soil and unintentionally attack other plants.
The procedure differs depending on whether you are using granules or a spray. Use liquid preparations sparingly, but moisten the entire weed plant.
Use weed killers wisely
How chemical weed killers may be used is precisely regulated in Paragraph 12 of the Plant Protection Act. The herbicides
- must be approved
- must not be used near bodies of water and
- can only be applied to horticultural, agricultural or forestry areas.
Do not use the spray or powder on paved areas, as the use of chemical agents is strictly prohibited here. Violations are punished with drastic fines of up to 50,000 EUR. .
The reason for this is water protection. Weed killers cannot sufficiently seep into the soil on sealed surfaces. They could get into the sewer system and via the waterworks in the drinking water of consumers.
What alternatives are there?
The most sustainable way of getting rid of weeds permanently is mechanical weeding. Weeds in the cracks of terrace slabs can be tackled with a joint scraper or a flame scarfing device.
Tips
Please read the warnings printed on the packaging carefully. Some preparations can cause serious eye irritation or allergies if used improperly. If necessary, wear protective goggles and protective gloves.
