Weeds can create a frustrating situation for farmers. It’s quite difficult to remove perennials. Although chemical pesticides such as glyphosate have made eliminating a lot easier.
However, farmers and gardeners are still confused about one question.
How much glyphosate per gallon of water should you use?
The thing is, you can’t toy around with chemical compounds. Moreover, chemical products like glyphosate need to be handled delicately. So, you get an idea of how important the process is.
To explain further, we’re here with this article. This article will cover everything you’ll need to know about mixing glyphosate with water. So, without further delay let’s get to it.
How Glyphosate Works
You need to apply glyphosate on actively growing plants. Once applied, it transfers throughout the plant and hinders the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of the amino acids.
The main amino acids glyphosate puts its effects are tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine.
As glyphosate disrupts the biochemical process, the plant slowly starts to die. Annuals start showing symptoms in two days whereas perennials take up to 7 to 10 days(annuals and perennials are plants that only live for one year).
However, the process can slow down if the weather is cloudy and cold.
When to Apply
You should apply the product on a sunny day when the temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Although, the plants need to be growing actively whenever you apply it.
Early mornings and late evenings are the best time to apply glyphosate. However, always check the weather before you spray. The plants won’t die if rainwater washes it off.
Your desirable plants can die or get injured if you accidentally spray glyphosate on them. Although, you can save them by immediately rinsing with water.
When spraying on weeds, spray until they get wet. Note that it’s completely unnecessary to make the plants drip with glyphosate. Although, shrubs and small trees will need more than one spray to die.
On another note, try to avoid walking on the glyphosate sprayed spots. The grass and other plants might die from the excess glyphosate that’s on your shoes.
How Much Glyphosate Per Gallon
Homeowners mostly use pump-up, handled sprayers for spraying glyphosate. Mixing glyphosate is quite easy. Although, sometimes you may see foams occur.
In such situations, wait for some time for the foam to settle and then fill the container again.
Now, let’s talk about mixing.
For the best output, try using a stronger solution for heavily affected places by perennial weeds. A piece of information, when you’re figuring out how much glyphosate to use, remember that 2 tablespoons is equivalent to 1 ounce.
However, for your convenience, we’re showing a complete list of how much glyphosate you should put per gallon.
- 0.5 percent solution is the lightest solution. So, use 0.7 ounces of glyphosate 41 for a solution of 0.5 percent.
- When using a 1 percent solution of glyphosate, increase the amount to 1.3 ounces.
- Simply use twice the amount of glyphosate when using a 2 percent solution. So, use 2.7 ounces of glyphosate 41 for a solution of 2 percent.
- In the same way, use 6.5 ounces of glyphosate 41 for a solution of 5 percent.
- Finally, the strongest glyphosate solution. For this strong mix, use 13 ounces of glyphosate 41 for a solution of 10 percent.
How to Mix Glyphosate
It’s relatively easy to mix glyphosate. Although, there are some considerations. You may think that it’s just mixing glyphosate but there’s more to it. So, let’s explain it with a few steps.
What You Need
- Glyphosate
- Herbicide Sprayer
- Safety Gloves
- Safety Glasses
Step 1: Fill Your Tank with Water
Fill your tank or sprayer with the amount of water you need. The quantity of water depends on the size of the area you’re going to spray.
Although, it’s better to fill the sprayer halfway.
Step 2: Mix the Glyphosate
As we’ve discussed earlier, mix the glyphosate depending on what type of solution you want. So, if you want a stronger solution of 10 percent, use 13 ounces of glyphosate.
However, when mixing the product you might notice some foam. Don’t get worried if you see anything like this as it’s a normal process. In such situations, wait for the foam to settle and then again continue the mixing process.
Step 3: Agitate the Mix
Now, slowly agitate the mix. Although you don’t have to agitate if your spray tank is doing the job for you.
The thing is, agitating the mix will ensure that the glyphosate and water are properly mixed. A properly mixed solution is an effective solution.
Safety Measures
- Whenever you’re handling glyphosate, remember to keep it away from your face, skin, and clothes. If you somehow get some on your clothes, wash them for 20 minutes.
- Always wear protective equipment in times of handling glyphosate or other types of herbicides. Moreover, wash your hands thoroughly after using glyphosate.
Note that you should wash your hands even if you wear gloves.
How to Store Glyphosate
- Always store glyphosate in a securely locked spot. For instance, a safe indoor cabinet or a closet of a cool, ventilated room inside a garage or secure shed is good enough for storing.
- Try to place the container on a stable concrete surface so that it prevents accidental leaks from going into the soil. Another thing is, keep glyphosate away from any kind of water sources such as ponds, wells, or streams.
- An important rule to follow is, keep glyphosate out of reach for children and pets. For more effectiveness, never even think of storing glyphosate in a room where you eat food or food is prepared.
- Lastly, you should always store glyphosate in their original containers. Furthermore, you can mark the containers with their date of production.
Conclusion
So, this is all we had to say about how much glyphosate per gallon of water. We hope this article covered everything you need to know about this topic.
Before covering up, we have a piece of advice for you. Always stir the mix for a while to get a perfect solution. Good luck!