Surfactants are chemicals that reduce the surface tension between two substances, such as water and oils or solids and liquids. In the agricultural sector, they are added to the spray solution (eg, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides) to help the active ingredients adhere better to leaf surfaces or penetrate the outside of plants more efficiently.

Surfactants reduce the surface tension of spray solution droplets allowing the solution to cover a larger spray surface.

They help the penetration of the active substances into the plant cells, increasing the effectiveness of the spray. They improve the adhesion of the spray liquid to the leaves, reducing the possibility of them being washed away by rain or other environmental conditions.

This category includes surfactants, pH regulators and antifoams that improve the preparation and application of the spray solution.