Question 1

what does surfactant do?

Accepted Answer

Surfactant allow the liquid it's mixed with to stay on the surface of the water on the algae. Liquid soap does the same thing, but tends to develop suds.

Question 2

Why would "AG" not include "sufactant" into their hercercides?  Why must customers buy a separate product to make their herbicide more effective?

Accepted Answer

Surfactant use is a little tricky.  If you use too little your spray will bead up and roll off the leaf. If you use to much your spray can be less effective as well.  If you have hard water, a little more surfactant is needed, if you have soft water a little less.  Plants with waxy leaves (Ivy, clover) need a little extra surfactant.  Mix your spray, spray the leaves.. If the spray beads up, add a little more until you get good coverage.  Follow the directions on both the herbicide and the surfactant then adjust as needed.

Question 3

I want to kill sumac - lots of it. i am using trichlorpyr 4 do i use this stuff and water? and if so, what mix in a 2 gal sprayer?

Accepted Answer

Sumac like poison ivy its cousin is a woody plant and typical weed killer (broadleaf, crabgrass etc) won't work.  I use Round-up's poison ivy specific formula and it works great.  Cheaper is Brush-B-Gone which you buy and mix from the concentrate yourself.  Both are very effective against these nasty poison ivy family thins.  Just be very careful about overspray-- it will absolutely kill adjacent plants you may want.

Question 4

how much do I mix per gallon of herbicide/water ?

Accepted Answer

I purchased the surfactant product to use with Drive XLR8 Herbicide.  The mixing volumes for the surfactant and herbicide per gallon of water are listed in the label directions.  As I recall, the surfactant amount was 1 ounce/gallon and the herbicide was 2.5 ounces/gallon.  You should google the surfactant product and check for a volume listing.  Good luck!

ASIN	B004XDHRCE
Active Ingredients	surfactant
Best Sellers Rank	#287 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ( See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ) #16 in Weed Killers
Brand Name	Southern Ag
Coverage	1 - 2 pints per 100 gallons of spray (1 teaspoonful per gallon)
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (17,867)
Included Components	Surfactant
Item Form	Liquid
Item Type Name	Surfactant
Item Weight	1 pounds
Liquid Volume	474 ml
Manufacturer	Southern Ag
Model Number	12202
Part Number	12202
UPC	051538122023
Unit Count	16 Ounce

Southern Ag Surfactant for Herbicides Non-Ionic, 16oz, 1 Pint

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