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This Beyond Resistance podcast episode featuring experts Richard Holzknecht and Jeshua Smith from VICCHEM is an essential resource for farmers and agronomists looking to optimise their herbicide mix in the tank and ensure every drop counts.  Since spray water typically makes up more than 95% of what goes into a spray tank, the quality of that water dictates whether a "chemistry experiment" succeeds or fails in the paddock.  Our speakers explain how common issues like hard water, high pH, and bicarbonates can tie up active ingredients—such as glyphosate and clethodim—before they even have a chance to work. 

By listening to this deep dive, you will learn why "plants don't drink rocks" and how poor water quality can lead to sublethal doses, which inadvertently accelerates the development of herbicide resistance. 

This podcast provides practical, field-ready advice on how to transition from reactive troubleshooting to proactive water management.  

Listeners can gain insights into the benefits of different water sources, the necessity of regular water testing, and the strategic use of conditioning agents like liquid ammonium sulfate (AMS) and citric acid to ameliorate quality issues. Also discussed is how to distinguish between genuine chemical resistance and spray failures caused by poor water, potentially saving growers from unnecessary and costly management changes. Whether you are an agronomist seeking to refine your recommendations or a grower aiming to maximise return on investment and protect the longevity of your chemical tools, this episode offers the technical expertise needed to stay ahead of the curve. 

Resources:

VICCHEM Free Water Quality Test

GRDC Spray water Quality Factsheet

Upcoming GRDC Herbicide Behaviour Workshops 

Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website.

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Learn more about WeedSmart and the Big 6 framework for proven weed management practices by visiting our website.

Don't forget to follow us on our socials:

Twitter/X

Bluesky

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

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Episode ID: 1000750450219

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Release Date: 19/02/2026, 11:30:00