I wonder if Sg imagined his question about controlling ferns would open such a can of worms.... Ah, the Dark Side.

My inexhaustive research (limited to the articles Todd referenced and the comments that follow) suggests that the delivery method Beezy described should be considerably safer (if somewhat less effective) than Roundup. Apparently, what makes Roundup more effective than other glyphosate treatments (and also more dangerous) is the surfactant they use to achieve deep penetration of the toxins into the plant's cells.

Apparently, most surfactants are detergents. We all know that detergents are very useful for controlling contaminants. What I had never learned before, but made a lot of sense to me, was that what makes detergents so effective at controlling germs is their ability to break down cell membranes and more directly deliver the substance that kills (often suffocates) the organism. By using a vegetable oil instead of a detergent, Beezy's crew should be getting the viscosity needed to keep the poison where it needs to be for an extended period, while avoiding a lot of the risk associated with using glyphosate. It seems likely, assuming their surfactant might not be as effective at penetrating the plant cells, that such a treatment might be somewhat less effective, but it should be a lot safer, which would be a good thing.

I personally avoid using herbicides/pesticides as much as possible. My lawn's probably 50% weeds, but if we mow once a week, it looks pretty good. When I have unwanted plants, I use elbow grease and time to control them. In some cases, I give up and use the excuse that I'm maintaining a "green" yard, which ironically ends up needing less maintenance....

Good luck with the fornicatin' ferns, Sg.