Atrazine is a selective pre-emergence, post-emergence herbicide. Mainly absorbed by the roots, stems and leaves absorb little, quickly transmitted to the plant meristem and leaves, interfere with photosynthesis, so that the weeds died. In corn and other resistant crops, it is decomposed by zeaxanthene to produce non-toxic substances, which are safe for crops.

Atrazine has a high water solubility, is more mobile than Simazine in the soil, and is easily washed by rain to a deeper level, resulting in inhibition of some deep-rooted weeds, and can be decomposed by microorganisms in the soil. With doses, soil texture and other factors, can be up to six months or so. It is suitable for control of annual and biennial broad-leaved weeds and monocotyledonous weeds in corn, sorghum, woodland, grassland and sugar cane.