What is a characteristic of anionic surfactants?

Anionic surfactants are characterized by their negative charge. This negative charge enables them to effectively reduce the surface tension of water, enhancing the spreading and wetting properties of herbicide formulations. When anionic surfactants are added to herbicide mixtures, they help improve the contact between the herbicide and the plant surface, facilitating better absorption and efficacy of the active ingredient.

The presence of a negative charge allows these surfactants to interact with positively charged surfaces, such as some soil types or plant cuticles, further enhancing their effectiveness. By improving spray coverage and adhesion, anionic surfactants increase the likelihood of the herbicide being effectively taken up by target plants, which is crucial for achieving desired control over weeds.