Which of the following is an environmental benefit of reduced herbicide use?

The environmental benefit of reduced herbicide use is notably the reduction of water pollution. When herbicides are applied, they can often leach into waterways through runoff, which can lead to significant contamination of water resources. This contamination can harm aquatic ecosystems, as well as affect drinking water quality for both humans and wildlife. Therefore, by minimizing herbicide use, there is a lesser chance of these harmful chemicals entering the water supply, promoting a healthier environment and preserving biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.

In contrast, the other options focus on negative effects associated with herbicide use, such as increased resistance in weed populations and destruction of beneficial plants. These indicate the potential drawbacks of heavy herbicide reliance, rather than benefits of reduced usage. Additionally, higher costs for farmers would generally be associated with increased herbicide application, not a benefit of reduced use. Thus, the proper focus on the environmental benefit is reflected in the reduction of water pollution.