What is one way that herbicide does not reach the plant?

Volatilization refers to the process where a substance transitions from a liquid or solid state into a gas. In the context of herbicides, this can occur when a herbicide is applied and then evaporates into the atmosphere before it has the opportunity to reach the target plant. It is an important consideration in herbicide application because, if herbicides volatilize, they might not effectively reach the intended plants, leading to reduced efficacy and potential environmental impacts.

In contrast, fertilization is a process that involves supplying nutrients to plants to enhance their growth and does not directly relate to how herbicides reach plants. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy, typically from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, and is unrelated to the application or effectiveness of herbicides. Soil erosion involves the removal of topsoil, which can impact plant growth but does not pertain to the mechanism of herbicide delivery. Thus, volatilization is indeed a scenario in which a herbicide can fail to effectively reach a plant.