In herbicide application, what does the term "non-target species" refer to?

The term "non-target species" refers to plants or organisms that are not intended to be affected by the herbicide. This includes a wide range of flora and fauna that coexist in the environment where herbicides are applied, including beneficial plants, wildlife, and microorganisms. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective herbicide management, as it emphasizes the need to minimize unintended harm to these species during application. Non-target effects can lead to ecological imbalances, disruption of native plant communities, and adverse impacts on beneficial insects and other wildlife. In contrast, the other choices define species that either are intended to be affected by the herbicide, contribute to its breakdown, or exclusively include invasive species, which do not capture the full scope of what "non-target species" encompasses.