Final answer:
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide used for non-selective weed control. A follow-up application may be needed if weeds persist after initial treatment. It is widely used in agriculture and urban areas, but care must be taken to minimize environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using glyphosate for non-selective weed control during establishment, a follow-up application is warranted if weeds persist. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide, meaning it targets a wide variety of plants including grasses, broadleaf, and woody plants. It works by being absorbed through the foliage and then moving systemically throughout the plant to the roots and rhizomes, which can result in the complete death of unwanted vegetation.
Glyphosate is particularly useful in agricultural settings, such as during the establishment of crops like glyphosate-resistant corn and soybeans, where it can be applied to eliminate competing weeds without harming the crop itself. As the most widely used herbicide, it also finds applications in home gardens, urban areas for clearing sidewalks, streets, and around industrial sites. However, the environmental impact of glyphosate includes potential contamination of surface water through runoff, especially when applied on hard surfaces or in urban settings.
For effective weed control, glyphosate may sometimes need to be reapplied if weeds continue to grow after an initial treatment. This follow-up application is an integral part of an integrated pest management system, which may also include other methods such as mulching or the use of selective herbicides for a more targeted approach, thus minimizing the environmental impact.