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Section 6: Surfactants

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General Characteristics of Surfactants

Surfactants are surface-active agents. They are useful as wetting or spreading agents. They act by increasing the contact between the liquid (i.e. herbicide/surfactant mixture) and the leaf surface of the pest plant, usually by reducing the surface tension of the spray droplets. Therefore, surfactants enhance the activity of the herbicide. An example of this can be seen when a drop of water is applied to a waxy leaf; it beads up. However, if detergent is added to the water first, then the droplets will spread out more readily. In this case, the detergent is a surface-active agent, or a surfactant.

Surfactant. (click in image to see full-size image) Anchor: #i1000463

Figure 3-21. Surfactant.

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Mixing Rates for Department Stocked Surfactants

The following table provides the proper mixing rates for department stocked surfactants with various herbicides:

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Herbicide

Surfactant per 100 gallons of water

Approved Aquatic Herbicide

2 quarts

Escort XP

1 quart

Outrider

2 quarts

Transline (on brush)

2 quarts


NOTE: A surfactant must be added to Approved Aquatic Herbicide and Escort XP applications. If a surfactant is not used, results will be significantly reduced.

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Surfactants Approved for Use with Department-approved Herbicides

All surfactants received from the regional warehouses meet the approval of Vegetation Management. These surfactants are safe for use with Approved Aquatic Herbicide applications sprayed directly in water and also for use with Escort XP.

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Precautions Using Surfactants

When using surfactants with Approved Aquatic Herbicide and Escort XP, there are some very important safety considerations:

  • Always wear goggles and gloves when mixing surfactants. They may cause eye or skin irritation
  • Wash thoroughly after handling surfactants
  • Many surfactants are flammable and may burn with explosive violence. The liquid quickly evaporates and forms a vapor, which can catch fire. Keeps away from heat, open flames, sparks and hot surfaces. Invisible vapor spreads easily and can be set on fire by such sources as pilot lights, welding equipment, electric motors and switches. The fire hazard is greater as the liquid temperature rises.
  • Use only in well ventilated areas
  • Keep container closed when not in use
  • Clean up spills immediately
  • Do not weld, heat or drill the container
  • Dispose of empty containers immediately according to label directions.

    NOTE: Always read label directions prior to using any product, whether surfactant or herbicide.

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