Wetting Agents

Why are wetting agents used with herbicides? 

Wetting agents are commonly used to enhance herbicide performance. They help the herbicide to spread evenly across plant surfaces, which increases absorption by unwanted weeds. If a herbicide does not adequately cover or penetrate the weed’s surface, they can be ineffective, so a wetting agent bridges this gap. Many weed species have waxy or hairy surfaces that repel water-based herbicide solutions, so in these scenarios, a wetting agent is essential. 

Benefits of using a wetting agent with herbicides

• Better performance: A wetting agent improves the absorption of a herbicide by the target weed, leading to more effective and comprehensive control. 

• Reduced costs and labour: By ensuring your herbicide reaches its target and delivers desired results, wetting agents help reduce costs and labour for landowners. 

• Less environmental runoff: If more of the herbicide solution is absorbed by the plant, there is naturally less runoff into the surrounding environment, promoting more sustainable farming practices. And reducing costs.

• Reduced herbicide resistance: In Australia, herbicide resistance in weeds is a growing concern. Wetting agents can help control the need for higher doses or multiple applications and prolong resistance development. 

Types of wetting agents

In agricultural settings, wetters can be categorised into several types based on their chemical composition – nonionic (no charge), anionic (negative charge), cationic (positive charge), and amphoteric (both negative and positive charge). 

The most common type of wetting agent in Australia is the nonionic surfactant. Because they do not carry an electrical charge, they are less likely to react with other substances in the herbicide solution, making them a popular choice.

Anionic surfactants are sometimes used in agricultural settings, too, such as when foaming is needed (often with certain types of pesticide).

Cationic and amphoteric surfactants are best suited to cleaning products. 

Wetting agents, surfactants and adjuvants: What’s the difference? 

There are lots of terms thrown around when talking about wetting agents. While ‘wetting agent’ and ‘surfactant’ are synonymous, not all adjuvants are surfactants.

‘Adjuvant’ is a broad term for any substance added to a herbicide or pesticide to enhance performance. Surfactants are just one type of adjuvant – this category also comprises oils, buffers, stickers, and spreaders, all of which are designed to improve an element of a herbicide’s performance. For instance, some adjuvants improve a herbicide’s stability or reduce its drift during application. 

Wetting agents are a crucial tool in Australian agriculture that optimise the coverage, absorption, and overall effectiveness of herbicides, leading to better weed control, healthier crops, and more efficient farming practices. Shop wetting agents now, or if you’re not sure which product will suit your needs, contact the Specialist Sales team.