Glyphosate Problem

[BIGHOSS]

Anyone else having problem with Glyphosate (Roundup) clogging the filter screen on a tank sprayer? I have always had a problem with this herbicide working right in my sprayer, but each year it seems to get worse.

I try not to keep any of the herbicide left over from year to year. I always buy a fresh jug each year, as I did this year. My sprayer which is a 12 volt 15 gallon, has a fine mesh screen on the end of the pickup tube down in the tank. This screen clogs easily with a stringy substance which looks like wet clothes dryer lint. I keep a spare filter and toothbrush in the cub tool box to keep it spraying.


I strain the solution using a large fuel funnel with filter and cheesecloth. This works, but is a pain to have to do this.

I'm open for suggestions.
Thanks
Ron

[Eugene]

You might want to use a fabric other than cheese cloth.

I have the same basic set up. Same fill/mix procedure. I'm using some type of synthetic material to filter the creek water used to fill the sprayer tank.

Been doing this for 15 years, No sprayer filter clogging problems.

Haven't had a problem with left over generic glyphosate going bad. Use left over the following year.

[v w]

I simply fill the sprayer with water dump in the roundup, sometimes the real stuff sometimes an off brand, open the bypass valve, mix for a few minutes and spray. Never had a problem even when using held over roundup. Also spray 2-4D and until this year Diuron (requires an applicators license now) same way. Using a 15 gal tow behind and the Cadet. Interesting. Now watch, I've opened my big mouth and probably will plug up next spring. Vern

[Don McCombs]

I use TSC's generic glyphosate, but not in that type system. I use it in hand-held and backpack sprayers. Never had a problem. Is it possible that there is something in the water that is reacting with the chemical or a residue from a different chemical?

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

I use it on a regular basis, though only occasionally in a large sprayer, usually just in a little 2 gallon sprayer. I do not filter mine through anything and the nozzles on it are pretty small, and the only time I have ever had a plugging problem was when I failed to wash the sprayer out good in the fall, and setting during the winter some of it precipitated out. If you are having plugging problems with a clean sprayer I suggest buying a different brand concentrate.

[SONNY]

I have used my 12-v unit for every chem known to mankind and never had any problems with it!----Round-up is usually the easiest to mix/spray just as 2-4-D,--in fact I tank mix the two. thanks; sonny

[Super A]

I use TSC's generic glyphosate, but not in that type system. I use it in hand-held and backpack sprayers. Never had a problem. Is it possible that there is something in the water that is reacting with the chemical or a residue from a different chemical?

My guess would be something in the water. They make stuff you can put in to make chemicals mix properly. Roundup should mix with no problem.

Al

[Eugene]

If you are using farm well water, have the water tested if it's being utilized for livestock or human consumption. Local Univ Extension Office or Dept of Natural Resources should be able to tell you where to get the test kits and where to send the samples.

[BIGHOSS]

Actually, I am using city water and don't buy solution from same place each year. This gallon came from Farmers Co-op. Guess I will continue to carefully strain each tank.

[Don McCombs]

Might try flushing the tank and system with water and a little dishwashing detergent before mixing the next batch.

[Super A]

Actually, I am using city water and don't buy solution from same place each year. This gallon came from Farmers Co-op. Guess I will continue to carefully strain each tank.

That could still potentially cause mixing issues.

I'd talk to local cooperative extension and see what they recommend. We used to use a product called, aptly enough, "Mix" that you added to nitrogen solution before adding herbicide. If you didn't use it, best case it took heavy agitation to make it mix and keep it mixed. Worst case, you had 300 gallons of cheese curds.

I've never, ever seen roundup/glyphosate that didn't mix readily in water. It just about has to be a water chemistry issue.

Al

[Eugene]

Cheesecloth is made from cotton fibers. Could be the type/quality of cheesecloth you are using. Try using a washed synthetic fabric as the filter. See what happens.

[outdoors4evr]

It sounds like a buildup of chemicals that have dried onto the screen. After using chemicals, I run this through my sprayer to neutralize the chemicals.
https://www.ruralking.com/32oz-jar-of-d ... oClP3w_wcB

[BIGHOSS]

Worst case, you had 300 gallons of cheese curds.

That is a very good description of what clogs my pick-up screen.

[Super A]

Worst case, you had 300 gallons of cheese curds.

That is a very good description of what clogs my pick-up screen.

Yep. All the filters in the world won't help. You've got to get something in there to make the chemical mix. It might be your water, or maybe your herbicide, probably a little of both. I'd be interested to see what some genuine Roundup would do.

Al