Surfactant

A surfactant (also known as an emulsifier or wetting agent) is a form of chemical adjuvant that acts as a buffer, breaking the surface tension of a liquid.

In lawn and garden herbicides, they are used to help break down the plant’s resistance to absorbing the chemical being applied to it by sticking better to the plant. This allows the herbicide to perform its function of killing the plant better.

Surfactants are a simple and inexpensive way of getting your herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides to perform better against persistent invasive weeds, pests, or diseases. With a surfactant, the chemical is less likely to bounce off of the target plant due to its waxy outer layer, allowing it to stay on the plant and work as intended.

Surfactants are very easy to use. Using label directions, simply add a small amount of surfactant to the mixed pesticide prior to application, and that’s it. You can then spray your enhanced solution. Some products already come with surfactants added to the formula.

Shop our top recommended surfactant products below. Should you need any help, we offer expert advice on how to use our various products, and we can also help you over the phone with our trained representative, who can guide you through each step of the the weed control process.

Our Recommendation

Nanotek Surfactant - is a non-ionic surfactant, also known as a wetting agent. This aids in breaking up the surface tension of water or any other liquids that have been added to the solution in order to help them seep more thoroughly into the plant that they are applied to.

Alligare MSO 1 - is a methylated seed oil blend that helps pesticide performance on agricultural crops, in forestry applications, in industrial and R.O.W. settings, in pasture and rangeland areas, and in T&O or in any non-aquatic application.

Tools Needed

• Tank Sprayer
• Selected Herbicide Product
• Selected Surfactant

PPE

• Chemical Resistant Gloves
• Dust / Mist Mask
• Safety Glasses

How to Use Surfactants

Step 1: Mix The Surfactant

Surfactants can be applied in two ways:

Mix the surfactant with the chemical in the same container and apply them simultaneously to the plant.

Or spraying the target plant with the surfactant first and then applying the chemical.

We would recommend the former method as it saves time when applying.

For Nanotek Surfactant, the recommended rate is 1 oz per 1 gallon of spray solutions. For broadcast applications, use 8 oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray solution.

Add the Nanotek Surfactant after you have adequately mixed the pesticide with water.

If using Alligare MSO 1, mix at a rate of 3/4 pint to 6 quarts per acre depending on conditions and weeds. Add the MSO after you have adequately mixed the pesticide with water.

Step 2: Apply The Mixture with Surfactant To Target Plants

Spray your target plants evenly, preferably with a fan nozzle setting for uniform coverage. Spray to wet but just before the point of runoff. You should notice that the product will stick better to the target plant rather than bounce or trickle off of it.

Key Takeaways

• Surfactants are supplemental additives for pesticide products and help the product perform its job better.
• Following label directions, simply add a small amount of surfactant to the product of your choice, mix well, and then apply to your target weed.
• Nanotek Surfactant and MSO are affordable and can last a long time since you only need to add a small amount.