What is a potential environmental impact of improper fumigation?

Improper fumigation can lead to significant harm to non-target organisms, which include beneficial insects, plants, and wildlife that are not the intended targets of the fumigation process. When fumigants are released without following proper safety protocols or recommendations, they can drift beyond the treated area, affecting surrounding ecosystems. This unintentional exposure can disrupt food webs, decrease biodiversity, and even lead to population declines in sensitive species.

Additionally, the effects on non-target organisms can result in longer-term ecological consequences, such as loss of pollinators or predatory insects that play crucial roles in maintaining agricultural and natural ecosystems. By recognizing the importance of protecting non-target species, pest management practices can be improved to minimize environmental impact while still effectively controlling pests.

In contrast, the other options, such as soil enhancement, increased crop yields, and reduced pest resistance, do not accurately reflect the outcomes of improper fumigation. These effects are generally associated with proper agricultural practices and integrated pest management, rather than improper fumigation, which typically has negative ramifications for the environment.