How to Prepare an Effective Spray Solution with Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used active substances for weed control. However, its efficacy and environmental safety depend heavily on how the spray solution is prepared. Improper water pH, foam formation, or poor plant coverage can significantly reduce the effectiveness of glyphosate and negatively impact the environment.

In this article, we’ll review three key aspects of preparing glyphosate-based solutions and the products that help increase spraying efficiency and safety.

1.Water pH – A Critical Factor for Effectiveness

Glyphosate is a weak acid, so the pH of the spray solution plays a major role in its performance.

• The optimal water pH when preparing glyphosate spray solutions is 4.0–5.0.

In this pH range, glyphosate:

• remains stable and does not hydrolyze,
• is better absorbed through the plant leaves,
• does not bind with hardness ions in water (such as calcium, magnesium, and iron), which would otherwise reduce its efficacy.

Solution: use pH FOCUS
This product not only acidifies the water, but also binds excess minerals, ensuring a stable and effective spray solution.

2.Coverage and Penetration – Speed and Efficiency Matter

Even a properly mixed glyphosate solution may become ineffective if it spreads unevenly across the leaf surface or penetrates too slowly. This is especially relevant:

• when leaf surfaces are waxy or hydrophobic,
• before expected rainfall,
• on windy days,
• under high temperature conditions.

Solution: use ELIT LF
This is a specialized adjuvant that:

• reduces surface tension, allowing droplets to spread more evenly and cover a larger leaf area,
• accelerates penetration through the stomata,
• reduces the risk of wash-off from rainfall,
• improves efficacy even when using lower water volumes,
• minimizes droplet drift under windy conditions.

3.Foam – A Common but Overlooked Issue

Foam is a frequent problem when preparing spray mixtures, especially when using hard water, multiple components, or when air is introduced during mixing.

Foam can:

• make it difficult to fill the sprayer tank,
• slow down the mixing and spraying process,
• increase the risk of spills and environmental contamination,
• compromise spraying uniformity.

Solution: use ANTIFUMA
This is a professional defoamer that:

• prevents foam formation during spray solution preparation,
• quickly eliminates existing foam,
• remains effective even during repeated tank mixing,
• helps avoid unnecessary delays and keeps the spraying process smooth.

Summary

To ensure glyphosate performs effectively, choosing the active ingredient alone is not enough. You must also guarantee the stability of the spray solution, optimal pH, efficient leaf coverage, and technical cleanliness.

• Use pH FOCUS to adjust water pH and ensure glyphosate remains active.
• Use ELIT LF to improve spreading, absorption, and resistance to weather conditions.
• Use ANTIFUMA to eliminate foam and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted workflow.

Choose professional additives – protect your crops, save resources, and reduce environmental impact.