Which term refers to the short-term effects of pesticides on the environment?

The term that refers to the short-term effects of pesticides on the environment is commonly associated with "soft pesticides." Soft pesticides are designed to have minimal negative impacts on non-target organisms and the broader ecosystem while effectively managing pests. Their formulation typically includes less toxic compounds or natural ingredients, making them preferable for use in environments where the goal is to reduce environmental harm in the short term.

In contrast, characteristics associated with persistent pesticides indicate they remain in the environment for a longer period, leading to prolonged ecological effects. The term systemic pesticides refers to those absorbed by plants and transported throughout their tissues, affecting the pest over an extended time frame rather than addressing short-term impacts. Natural pesticides, often derived from natural sources, can vary in their effects but do not specifically denote a focus on short-term environmental impacts. Therefore, the emphasis on the temporary influence of soft pesticides on the ecosystem makes that term the most fitting in this context.