Granular formulations are most useful for which type of application?

• A. True
• B. False; more useful for foliar applications
• C. They are equally useful for soil and foliar
• D. Not useful at all

Answer: (A)

Granular formulations work best when the target is in the soil, because they are designed to sit in the root zone and release the active ingredient slowly as soil moisture moves through them. This makes them ideal for soil-based applications near the base of plants or around the root zone, where pests or weeds are encountered through the soil or roots. They’re easy to apply with spreaders, can be watered in, and tend to provide longer residual control with less drift than many liquid sprays. For foliar uses, though, liquids that spread evenly over leaf surfaces and are readily absorbed are usually preferred, since granules on leaves don’t wash or adhere as reliably and don’t move into the plant efficiently without irrigation. So, granular formulations are most useful for soil applications.