Roundup is a widely used herbicide for controlling weeds, but its effectiveness can be enhanced by adding certain ingredients. These additives help improve absorption, break down plant barriers, and increase overall weed control.

By using additives such as ammonium sulfate, surfactants, vinegar, and Epsom salt, you can enhance Roundup’s absorption, penetration, and weed-killing power.

These additives help break down plant barriers, improve Roundup herbicide uptake, and increase efficiency in different climates.

Farmers and homeowners in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Georgia, and California can benefit from Roundup herbicide additives throughout all USDA planting zones.

Whether you’re tackling stubborn weeds in a small yard or managing large-scale weed control, the right combination can make a significant difference. Below are the 10 best things to add to Roundup to make it work better.

What Can I Add To Roundup To Make It Work Better? Find 10 Best Things

1. Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) – Enhances Glyphosate Absorption and Neutralizes Hard Water

Ammonium sulfate (AMS) helps Roundup perform better by softening hard water and improving glyphosate absorption. It binds with minerals in water, preventing them from reducing Roundup’s effectiveness. Many farmers in USDA planting zones rely on AMS to maximize weed control in all seasons.

 

Adding AMS to Roundup allows glyphosate to penetrate the plant’s system faster. This results in quicker weed suppression, especially in hot regions like Texas and Arizona. AMS is widely used in Missouri and Georgia, where soil conditions vary.

Because AMS improves Roundup’s performance in different climates, it is ideal for year-round weed management. Whether in California’s warm temperatures or Florida’s humid conditions, AMS ensures Roundup works efficiently. It remains a trusted option for homeowners and large-scale farmers.

Pros:

• Improves glyphosate uptake
• Softens hard water
• Enhances weed control
• Works in all climates
• Affordable additive
• Speeds up absorption
• Easy to mix

Cons:

• Requires proper mixing
• Can corrode some metals
• Needs precise measurement

2. Surfactants (Non-Ionic Surfactant – NIS) – Helps Roundup Stick to Leaves for Better Penetration

Surfactants help Roundup spread evenly over plant surfaces, improving contact and penetration. They reduce surface tension, allowing the herbicide to coat leaves more effectively. Farmers in Florida and Georgia use non-ionic surfactants to enhance Roundup’s efficiency in controlling stubborn weeds.

 

By improving Roundup’s ability to stick to leaves, surfactants help prevent runoff and increase absorption. This is especially beneficial in states like California and Arizona, where dry conditions can make herbicide application challenging. Surfactants ensure Roundup reaches plant cells more effectively.

Since surfactants improve Roundup’s adherence, they are effective in all USDA planting zones. Whether in Missouri’s agricultural fields or Texas’s commercial farms, they help optimize weed control. They remain a necessary addition to Roundup for long-lasting results.

Pros:

• Enhances herbicide absorption
• Reduces runoff
• Works in all climates
• Improves weed coverage
• Increases Roundup efficiency
• Helps in dry conditions
• Affordable option

Cons:

• Requires correct concentration
• May cause foaming
• Needs thorough mixing

3. Dish Soap – Works as a Makeshift Surfactant to Break Surface Tension

Dish soap can serve as a low-cost alternative to commercial surfactants when mixed with Roundup. It helps break down surface tension, allowing Roundup to stick to weeds. Homeowners in Texas and Arizona often use dish soap in their weed control routines.

 

Because dish soap enhances Roundup’s coverage, it prevents the herbicide from running off plant surfaces. This is especially useful in wet climates like Florida and Georgia. In California, where dust accumulation can hinder herbicide absorption, dish soap helps Roundup penetrate plant cells better.

Using dish soap in all USDA planting zones improves Roundup’s performance against stubborn weeds. However, it is important to use the correct amount, as too much can reduce effectiveness. Despite this, dish soap remains a convenient and affordable solution for many farmers.

Pros:

• Affordable alternative
• Improves Roundup spread
• Reduces runoff
• Helps in humid areas
• Easy to find
• Works in dry climates
• Simple to mix

Cons:

• Can dilute Roundup
• Needs proper measurement
• May cause foaming

4. Vinegar (Acetic Acid) – Lowers pH and Increases Roundup Effectiveness

Vinegar, especially acetic acid, lowers the pH of Roundup, making it more potent. By acidifying the solution, vinegar helps Roundup penetrate plant cells faster. Many farmers in Missouri and Florida use vinegar to enhance their weed control efforts.

 

Since vinegar boosts Roundup’s effectiveness, it is especially useful in alkaline soils found in Texas and Arizona. It allows glyphosate to work more efficiently by breaking down plant defenses. Vinegar is also effective in California’s diverse climate conditions.

Adding vinegar to Roundup makes it an effective weed killer in all USDA planting zones. However, the correct concentration must be used to avoid damaging beneficial plants. Despite this, vinegar remains a natural and affordable way to boost Roundup’s performance.

Pros:

• Increases Roundup potency
• Lowers solution pH
• Improves weed penetration
• Affordable option
• Works in all climates
• Easy to mix
• Natural additive

Cons:

• Can harm nearby plants
• Requires precise dilution
• May reduce effectiveness if overused

5. Epsom Salt – Works Like AMS to Improve Uptake in Plants

Epsom salt is another great addition to Roundup, improving glyphosate absorption by plants. It contains magnesium and sulfur, which help Roundup penetrate the weed’s system effectively. Farmers in Texas and Arizona use Epsom salt to enhance herbicide performance.

 

This additive helps break down the plant’s protective barrier, ensuring Roundup works faster. It is particularly beneficial in states like Missouri and Florida, where certain weeds develop resistance to glyphosate. Epsom salt also supports consistent results in California’s varied growing conditions.

Since Epsom salt improves Roundup’s absorption rate, it is useful in all USDA planting zones. However, using the right concentration is crucial to prevent excessive salt buildup in the soil. With proper application, Epsom salt remains a trusted choice for improving Roundup’s efficiency.

Pros:

• Enhances glyphosate absorption
• Improves weed control
• Affordable additive
• Works in all climates
• Easy to mix
• Strengthens Roundup effects
• Reduces plant resistance

Cons:

• Can build up in soil
• Needs proper dilution
• May affect soil balance

6. Liquid Fertilizer – Boosts Plant Absorption of Roundup

Liquid fertilizer enhances Roundup’s ability to be absorbed by plants. It helps break down the plant’s outer barriers, ensuring glyphosate penetrates more effectively. Farmers in Texas and Missouri use liquid fertilizer to improve Roundup’s efficiency in controlling weeds.

 

Since liquid fertilizer encourages plants to take in moisture, it accelerates the herbicide’s absorption. This is especially beneficial in regions like Arizona and California, where drought conditions make weed control challenging. The added nutrients do not affect Roundup’s performance but help weeds absorb it faster.

Pros:

• Improves Roundup absorption
• Helps in dry conditions
• Easy to mix
• Works in all climates
• Affordable option
• Enhances weed control
• Encourages plant uptake

Cons:

• May increase soil residue
• Requires careful dilution
• Can be expensive

7. Sugar – Increases Roundup Absorption by Weakening Plant Defenses

Sugar helps Roundup work better by encouraging plants to absorb more of the herbicide. It tricks weeds into opening their stomata, allowing glyphosate to penetrate faster. Farmers in Georgia and Missouri use sugar as a natural booster for weed control.

 

By making plants more vulnerable, sugar enhances Roundup’s ability to kill weeds effectively. It is especially useful in arid climates like Arizona and Texas, where absorption is a challenge. Sugar is a cost-effective and easy-to-use additive for improving Roundup performance.

Pros:

• Boosts Roundup absorption
• Weakens weed defenses
• Affordable option
• Safe for the environment
• Works in all climates
• Enhances efficiency
• Easy to mix

Cons:

• Attracts ants and insects
• Can ferment in storage
• Needs proper dilution

8. Citric Acid – Lowers pH for Better Glyphosate Activation

Citric acid helps Roundup work better by lowering the pH of the solution, making glyphosate more effective. It enhances weed penetration by breaking down plant barriers, especially in alkaline soils found in Texas and Arizona. Farmers in Florida and California use citric acid to improve Roundup’s performance in different climates.

 

Since citric acid acidifies the herbicide mixture, it increases Roundup’s absorption rate in stubborn weeds. This is particularly useful in USDA planting zones where soil pH affects herbicide effectiveness. Citric acid is a natural and affordable option for enhancing Roundup’s results.

Pros:

• Lowers pH for better absorption

• Enhances glyphosate activation

• Works in alkaline soils

• Safe and natural

• Affordable additive

• Improves weed control

• Easy to mix

Cons:

• Requires proper dilution

• May corrode sprayers

• Can harm nearby plants if overused

9. Diesel Fuel – Acts as an Oil-Based Carrier for Better Weed Coverage

Diesel fuel is sometimes added to Roundup as an oil-based carrier, helping the herbicide adhere to waxy leaves. It improves coverage on tough weeds, making Roundup more effective in dry and hot climates like Arizona and Texas. Farmers in Missouri and Georgia have used diesel fuel for years to enhance weed control.

 

Diesel prevents herbicide runoff, ensuring Roundup stays on the plant longer for better absorption. It is particularly beneficial for targeting weeds with thick cuticles that resist glyphosate penetration. However, due to environmental concerns, diesel should be used with caution and in controlled settings.

Pros:

• Improves Roundup adhesion

• Works in dry climates

• Enhances herbicide penetration

• Reduces runoff

• Effective on waxy weeds

• Increases absorption rate

• Used in commercial applications

Cons:

• Can harm soil and water sources

• Not environmentally friendly

• May damage sprayers

10. Crop Oil Concentrate (COC) – Boosts Roundup Absorption on Tough Weeds

Crop oil concentrate (COC) is an emulsified oil that helps Roundup penetrate tough weeds more effectively. It enhances glyphosate absorption by softening the outer waxy layers of plants, making it particularly useful in Texas, Arizona, and Georgia. Farmers in Florida and Missouri also use COC for better weed control.

 

Since COC reduces evaporation, it allows Roundup to remain on plant surfaces longer for deeper absorption. This is crucial in hot climates like California, where rapid drying can reduce herbicide effectiveness. COC is widely used in commercial agriculture to improve Roundup’s performance on resilient weeds.

Pros:

• Enhances glyphosate penetration

• Works in all climates

• Reduces evaporation

• Effective on tough weeds

• Increases Roundup efficiency

• Improves herbicide spread

• Easy to mix

Cons:

• Can be expensive

• Requires careful mixing

• May increase herbicide drift

What Can I Add To Roundup To Make It Work Better FAQs

1. What is the best thing to add to Roundup for better weed control?

Ammonium sulfate (AMS) is one of the best additives to improve Roundup’s effectiveness. It helps soften hard water, enhances glyphosate absorption, and ensures faster weed suppression.

2. Can dish soap improve Roundup’s performance?

Yes, dish soap acts as a surfactant that helps Roundup stick to leaves, reducing runoff and increasing absorption. It is a cost-effective alternative to commercial surfactants.

3. Why is vinegar added to Roundup?

Vinegar lowers the pH of the Roundup solution, making glyphosate more potent. This helps the herbicide penetrate plant cells faster, especially in alkaline soil conditions.

4. Does sugar really help Roundup work better?

Yes, sugar weakens plant defenses by tricking weeds into absorbing more of the herbicide. It increases glyphosate uptake, making Roundup more effective.

5. How does Epsom salt enhance Roundup?

Epsom salt improves glyphosate absorption by breaking down the protective barriers of weeds. It works similarly to AMS in boosting Roundup’s performance.

6. Is liquid fertilizer safe to mix with Roundup?

Yes, liquid fertilizer helps plants absorb Roundup more efficiently without reducing its effectiveness. It is particularly useful in dry conditions where plants struggle to take in moisture.

7. Can adding too many additives reduce Roundup’s effectiveness?

Yes, using too many additives or incorrect proportions can dilute Roundup or cause unwanted interactions. It is important to follow recommended mixing rates for optimal results.

Conclusion

Enhancing Roundup with the right additives can significantly improve its effectiveness in controlling weeds.

Ingredients like ammonium sulfate (AMS), surfactants, dish soap, vinegar, and Epsom salt help increase glyphosate absorption and penetration, ensuring faster and more reliable results.

Sugar and liquid fertilizer further boost uptake, making weeds more susceptible to the herbicide. However, proper mixing and correct proportions are essential to prevent dilution or unwanted interactions.

By using these additives strategically, farmers and homeowners can maximize weed control while optimizing Roundup’s performance in various climates and soil conditions.