It is a preëmergent dinitroaniline developed from trifluralin, used to control annual grasses and broad-leaved weeds.

[1] It is used on soybeans, peanuts, potatoes, and as of 2023, is the first conventional herbicide the EPA permits on hemp, as ethalfluralin leaves no residue in the plant.

[5] Ethalfluralin did not leach in soil, and the EPA expects it not to contaminate ground water, though it notes the chemically very similar trifluralin has been found in groundwater.

Subchronic rat and mice studies saw effects to the liver and kidneys, reduced weight gain, and affected enzyme activity.

[5] Dietary effect is unlikely as ethalfluralin does not leave residues in plants and doesn't translocate.