As spring approaches and growers prepare for another demanding season, the pressure to maximize efficiency and preserve yield potential continues to intensify. Investing in the right tools up front to enhance early-season herbicide performance can pay dividends throughout the season. According to Austin Anderson, Adjuvant Brand Manager at Helena Products Group, the addition of a quality adjuvant in pre-emergence applications can help growers start off on the right path.

“Getting it right the first time saves both time and money,” says Anderson.

His adjuvant of choice with soil-applied herbicides is Grounded®. Over the course of its 20-year history, Grounded has been used on more than 85 million acres to reduce drift, enhance deposition and hold herbicides in place longer. When herbicides remain where they are applied, residual activity improves, escapes decrease and growers avoid costly retreatments later.   

“Grounded helps keep your herbicide exactly where it needs to be—right in the weed germination zone,” says Anderson.

Because of its versatility, a variety of growers can benefit from Grounded. While some products perform well in one field and fall short in another due to variables like soil texture, moisture, organic matter or even shifting weather patterns, Grounded adapts to a wide array of field conditions. No matter the goal, reinforcing the foundation of a program helps ensure complete, consistent and resilient weed control.

Pre-Emergence Residual Herbicide Programs

Grounded excels when paired with pre-emergence tank mixes, especially those intended to establish a strong soil barrier against early weeds.

  • Helps maintain herbicide placement in variable soil moisture
  • Reduces movement caused by heavy rainfall
  • Maximizes consistency across different soil textures

Fields with Sloped Terrain or High Runoff Potential

In areas susceptible to soil shifts or water movement, keeping products where they are placed is critical.

  • Improves adhesion in zones vulnerable to erosion
  • Mitigates loss of herbicide activity on hillsides

Supports better early canopy development by reducing competition

Situations Requiring Enhanced Coverage

By improving spray deposition, Grounded helps ensure a more uniform application across residue-heavy surfaces.

  • Helps solutions penetrate down to the soil surface
  • Ensures more complete coverage in no-till or minimum-till systems
  • Increases overall treatment effectiveness

In weed management, success starts long before weeds emerge. Planning ahead, using the right products, and understanding field conditions is key to early-season success. Grounded continues to stand out as a reliable partner in helping growers strengthen their herbicide performance and protect yield potential from the moment the season begins. Contact your local Helena representative to tailor Grounded into a program that aligns with your crop and weed spectrum. To hear more from Austin Anderson, listen to Episode 57 of the FieldLink Podcast on YouTube or wherever you listen.