Spray Smarter: The Evolving Role of Adjuvants in Modern Agriculture
In today’s crop protection world, precision isn’t optional; it’s expected. Adjuvants, once the “nice-to-have” helpers in a tank mix, are now critical tools for performance and stewardship.
Glenda Gehl, VP of R&D Ag Business at Land O’Lakes, takes us inside how WinField United is fine-tuning every droplet, combining real-world testing, innovative formulations, and deep agronomic expertise to help growers and retailers navigate increasingly complex spray decisions with confidence.
CropLife: How do you see the role of adjuvants evolving in today’s crop protection landscape, particularly with increased emphasis on drift mitigation and precision application?
Glenda Gehl: Adjuvants have always been critical in helping crop protection products perform as intended. What’s changing is the level of precision and accountability expected in every application. With greater scrutiny around drift, runoff, and off-target movement, adjuvants are increasingly seen not as optional additives, but as essential tools for both stewardship and performance.
Today’s applications begin with proper equipment setup — nozzles, pressure, and boom height — but adjuvants fine-tune that system. They help keep spray droplets on target, ensure consistent deposition, and protect efficacy across complex tank mixes. As precision application continues to advance, adjuvants will remain a key lever for delivering both agronomic results and responsible application outcomes.
CL: What new technologies, formulation strategies, or product features is WinField United advancing to help growers manage drift risk more effectively?
Glenda Gehl, WinField United
GG: Our approach to drift mitigation is grounded in data and real-world testing. At our Innovation Center, we use state-of-the-art wind tunnels to evaluate nozzles, tank mixes, and adjuvants, allowing us to fully understand how each component affects droplet size, spray quality, and drift potential. This research helps us develop drift reduction adjuvants that consistently minimize off-target movement while optimizing deposition across a wide range of chemistries.
We’re also focusing on formulation efficiency. Many modern crop protection products require oils or surfactants to perform optimally, so we’ve combined these functions with drift reduction into single, easy-to-use solutions. For example, SuperLock delivers both drift reduction and oil functionality in one product.
In addition, we collaborate closely with technology partners to stay ahead of emerging application platforms, including rotary nozzles for drone applications and systems like See & Spray. This ensures our adjuvants are optimized for both today’s equipment and the next-generation technologies growers are adopting.
CL: How is WinField United supporting ag retailers and growers in understanding not just product selection, but the reasoning behind optimal application practices?
GG: Spray applications have never been more complex. Growers and retailers are navigating advanced equipment, a growing array of nozzle options, and virtually limitless tank‑mix combinations. Determining which combination delivers the best results isn’t always obvious — and that’s where WinField United adds value.
We’ve developed a comprehensive approach to application education. Our teams work closely with equipment manufacturers, nozzle suppliers, and crop protection partners to understand how both new and existing technologies perform. We combine that knowledge with data from our Innovation Center and nationwide Answer Plot network, then translate it through the expertise of our agronomists.
The outcome is practical, field-ready guidance that helps retailers and growers make confident decisions— improving product performance, reducing drift risk, and ultimately minimizing liability while protecting yield potential.
CL: With regulatory scrutiny increasing around spray drift and off-target movement, how are adjuvant providers preparing for these changes — both in terms of product innovation and compliance guidance?
GG: Drift reduction isn’t new, but the spray environment is evolving. At WinField United, we’ve invested in this space for more than 20 years. Our “Lock” family of adjuvants supports modern chemistries, application systems, and performance expectations.
As labels evolve, drift reduction adjuvants are increasingly recognized as essential tools for on-target applications and consistent deposition. These products can be used today across a wide range of tank mixes, with newer labels providing clear guidance on responsible application.
One of the biggest challenges for growers and retailers is translating label guidance into day-to-day spray decisions. Our agronomists play a key role in helping customers interpret guidance and integrate best practices into workflows — ensuring applications are both effective and responsible.
CL: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for improving spray outcomes through adjuvants — whether in sustainability, tank‑mix compatibility, digital decision tools, or integrated spray programs?
GG: The biggest opportunity is simplifying complexity without sacrificing performance. As equipment, chemistries, and regulations evolve, growers and retailers need confidence that applications will work — and stay on target.
This starts before the sprayer even hits the field: preseason planning around equipment setup, anticipated tank mixes, nozzle selection, and calibration is critical. Layering in the right adjuvants — water conditioners, high-quality oils, and drift reduction products — optimizes both efficacy and stewardship.
In the field, fundamentals like ground speed, pressure, and boom height still matter, but adjuvants bring consistency to an increasingly complex system. Used thoughtfully as part of an integrated spray program, they support sustainable outcomes by improving performance, reducing waste, and minimizing off-target risk.
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