In terms of herbicide application, what is a characteristic of clay soil?

Clay soil is characterized by its high surface area per given volume, which is due to the small particle size of clay compared to other soil types like sand or silt. The high surface area affects how water, nutrients, and chemicals, including herbicides, interact with the soil. This high surface area leads to increased adsorption of herbicides, which can influence their effectiveness and availability for plant uptake.

Herbicides applied to clay soil may bind more strongly to the soil particles, potentially reducing the amount of active ingredient available to target weeds. This characteristic is crucial for applicators to consider, as it can affect the timing and amount of herbicide needed for effective weed control.

Understanding the properties of clay soil helps in choosing the right herbicides and application rates, making option B the correct choice.