What is the benefit of adding a surfactant to a foliar spray mix?

Adding a surfactant to a foliar spray mix significantly reduces the surface tension of water droplets. This breakdown of surface tension allows the spray to spread more easily and cover the leaf surface more uniformly. When the droplets can spread out, they have a greater area of contact with the plant tissue, thus improving absorption and overall effectiveness of the applied chemicals or nutrients.

Surfactants play a critical role in ensuring that the active ingredients within the spray mix can penetrate plant surfaces more efficiently. This increased coverage is essential for achieving optimal results, especially when applying pesticides or fertilizers where thorough coating is crucial for success.

While increasing viscosity, enhancing nutrient content, or preventing evaporation are relevant considerations in spray applications, they do not directly relate to the fundamental purpose that surfactants serve in improving the application and effectiveness of foliar sprays.