Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of soil fumigants?

Soil fumigants are designed to penetrate soil effectively to eliminate pests and pathogens, and their effectiveness is often associated with certain inherent properties. Stability at room temperature is not a characteristic typically associated with soil fumigants. Instead, many fumigants are volatile and change from liquid to gas at relatively low temperatures, which enables them to disperse through soil and reach target organisms. High volatility is essential for their action but can also lead to challenges, such as potential losses to the atmosphere if not managed properly.

In contrast, stability at room temperature would imply that the substance remains unchanged for long periods, reducing its efficacy as a fumigant since its active components need to readily evaporate and diffuse through the soil. The strong odor of some fumigants serves as a warning sign for operators and nearby individuals, while the potential for environmental contamination is a critical concern driven by their ability to migrate beyond the intended application zones. Thus, stability at room temperature is the aspect that distinguishes it from the functioning characteristics typically expected of soil fumigants.