Common Mistakes When Using Glufosinate Ammonium – Why Weeds Don’t Die After Spraying

Discover the most common mistakes when using Glufosinate Ammonium: incorrect dosage, poor timing, and spraying errors that result in poor weed control, crop burn, and wasted costs. Learn how to fix them effectively!

Table of Contents

1. What Is Glufosinate Ammonium and How Does It Work?
2. Why Incorrect Dosage Leads to Weed Survival
3. Common Mistakes When Using Glufosinate Ammonium
4. How to Correct and Optimize Glufosinate Use
5. Conclusion

1. What Is Glufosinate Ammonium and How Does It Work?

Glufosinate Ammonium is a non-selective, contact herbicide that only kills the parts of the weed it touches. It is not systemic, meaning it doesn’t travel to the roots.

• Highly effective against broadleaf and grassy weeds – but only when sprayed at the correct stage and dosage
• Weed death typically occurs within 1–3 days of spraying

❗ If underdosed, misapplied, or sprayed on mature weeds, its effectiveness drops significantly.

2. Why Incorrect Dosage Leads to Weed Survival

Mistake	Common Outcome
Over-dilution (e.g., 20ml/16L water)	Light yellowing, weeds regrow quickly
Low application volume per m²	Mature weeds recover within days
Uneven leaf coverage	Missed spots → weeds regrow
Incorrect water pH (too alkaline)	Reduces herbicide potency

👉 Result: Wasted labor, wasted herbicide, and weeds survive.

3. Common Mistakes When Using Glufosinate Ammonium

❌ 1. Incorrect Dosage

• Not following label recommendations (typically 40–60ml per 16L of water for 13.5–20% Glufosinate)
• Spraying too lightly to save product → ineffective absorption

❌ 2. Wrong Timing

• Spraying when weeds are too mature or woody
• Spraying before or after heavy rain → herbicide washes off
• Spraying when weeds are still emerging and leaves haven’t fully expanded

❌ 3. Poor Spraying Equipment or Technique

• Nozzle too strong → herbicide splashes onto crops
• Uneven spray pattern → missed spots or drift onto stems

❌ 4. Hitting Crops During Sensitive Stages

• Spraying near crops during new flush or flowering → causes leaf burn and growth suppression

❌ 5. Repeated Use of One Active Ingredient

• Repeated use encourages herbicide resistance, especially in tough species like crabgrass, torpedo grass, or nutgrass

4. How to Correct and Optimize Glufosinate Use

✅ Read the label carefully – follow the recommended dosage
✅ Spray when weeds are 10–20 cm tall and actively growing
✅ Spray both sides of the leaves, close to the base, avoid missing spots
✅ Use flat fan nozzles, avoid strong, high-pressure streams
✅ Do not spray before rain or in extreme heat (>33°C)
✅ Rotate with pre-emergent herbicides (e.g., Pendimethalin, Butachlor) to prevent regrowth

5. Conclusion

Glufosinate Ammonium is highly effective, but misuse – especially wrong dosage or poor spraying technique – leads to weed survival or only partial kill.

👉 To maximize weed control and avoid damaging crops, always use the right dose, at the right time, with the correct technique.