Why would a forester prefer pesticides with a short half-life?

Choosing pesticides with a short half-life is advantageous for minimizing long-term environmental impacts and residues. A short half-life means that the pesticide breaks down more quickly in the environment, reducing the likelihood of it persisting in the soil, water, or non-target organisms. This leads to a lower risk of harm to beneficial insects, wildlife, and plants following application. Additionally, shorter half-lives contribute to lesser chances of groundwater contamination and help to maintain ecological balance, as non-target species are less likely to be affected by residues that linger in the environment.

In contrast, options that focus on shelf life, pest control effectiveness, or duration of protection do not align with the environmental management goals that guided the choice of a short half-life pesticide. The focus is on achieving immediate results while ensuring safety and sustainability in the ecosystem over time.