What is a common consequence of soil runoff or erosion in relation to herbicide use?

Soil runoff or erosion often leads to water pollution, which is a significant issue associated with herbicide use. When herbicides are applied to agricultural fields or landscapes, rain and irrigation can wash these chemicals away from the original application site. This can result in the herbicides contaminating nearby water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. The introduction of these chemicals into aquatic ecosystems can have detrimental effects on water quality, harming aquatic life and accumulating in the food chain.

In contrast, increased crop yield, faster degradation of herbicides, and improved weed control do not directly correlate with the consequences of soil runoff or erosion. Increased crop yield might be an expected benefit of proper herbicide application under ideal conditions, while faster degradation of herbicides generally refers to factors that help prevent chemical persistence in the environment. Improved weed control is also an intended result of effective herbicide use, so it is not a consequence of runoff or erosion. Hence, water pollution stands out as the primary concern connected to the erosion and runoff of soil treated with herbicides.