Metolachlor 960g/L EC Herbicide – Reliable Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Metolachlor 960g/L EC is formulated as a high-purity emulsifiable concentrate, giving it excellent soil mobility and rapid activation after application.
The pure active ingredient is a clear to light yellow liquid with a specific gravity of approximately 1.12 at 20°C, and a boiling point range of 100–180°C, making it stable for safe handling and storage.
With a moderate water solubility of around 530 mg/kg at 20°C, Metolachlor disperses well in soil moisture and maintains a consistent herbicidal layer to inhibit the germination of grass and small-seeded broadleaf weeds.

This herbicide is miscible with most organic solvents, allowing flexible tank mixing when needed.
Farmers can safely combine Metolachlor with other compatible pre- or early post-emergent herbicides to tackle mixed weed populations and broaden their control spectrum.

One of its key strengths is long storage stability: properly stored in sealed containers away from direct sunlight and moisture, Metolachlor 960g/L EC remains physically and chemically stable for over two years without losing efficacy.
This makes it ideal for distributors and importers needing reliable shelf-life for larger, seasonal orders.

Combined with POMAIS’s commitment to consistent batch quality, custom labeling, and flexible packaging from 1L retail bottles to bulk drums, this herbicide gives you the confidence to supply your growers with a trusted solution for pre-emergent grass weed control across multiple cropping systems.

Mode of Action

Metolachlor is classified as a chloroacetanilide herbicide and is widely recognized for its strong pre-emergent weed control performance.
Its primary mode of action is to inhibit cell division and growth of weed shoots and roots before or just after germination. This makes Metolachlor highly effective at stopping weed establishment right from the seed stage.

Specifically, Metolachlor works by inhibiting protein synthesis in emerging weed seedlings. It blocks the production of key enzymes that weeds need to build essential proteins, halting growth at the cellular level.
Additionally, it interferes with the uptake of choline into phospholipids, which disrupts the formation of lecithin—an essential component of cell membranes. This dual action means sensitive grass weed species are poisoned underground and die before breaking through the soil surface.

In practice, this mode of action provides a protective soil barrier that remains active long enough to suppress new flushes of grass weeds like goosegrass, crabgrass, foxtail, and barnyardgrass. Because these weeds absorb Metolachlor more readily than many broadleaf weeds, the herbicide’s selectivity allows target crops such as corn, sorghum, and watermelon to germinate and grow with minimal competition.

By controlling weeds before they emerge, growers save on labor, reduce the need for repeated spraying, and ensure healthier, more uniform crop stands throughout the critical early growth stages.

Target Weeds & Crops

Metolachlor 960g/L EC is trusted for broad-spectrum control of annual grass weeds and some small-seeded broadleaf weeds in various dryland and irrigated cropping systems. Its high selectivity and soil persistence make it an ideal choice for farmers who want a reliable pre-emergent herbicide to maintain clean fields during the critical early growth stages.

Key Grass Weeds Controlled

• Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) – A highly competitive weed that quickly dominates row crops.

• Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) – Known for rapid germination in warm soils and dense stands.

• Foxtail (Setaria spp.) – Often found in cereal and vegetable rotations; difficult to manage once established.

• Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) – Common in rice paddies but also problematic in dryland crops.

• Cotton Grass and other local annual grasses – Varies by region but often highly responsive to soil-applied Metolachlor.

Sensitive Broadleaf Weeds

• Amaranth – Small-seeded species like redroot pigweed.

• Purslane – A hardy, shallow-rooted weed that can compete early in the season.

Suitable Crops

Metolachlor 960g/L EC is suitable for a wide range of dryland and specialty crops, including:

• Corn (Maize) – One of the largest uses worldwide due to strong selectivity.

• Sorghum – Well-suited for broad-acre systems in semi-arid climates.

• Soybeans – Often used in rotation with other herbicide programs for consistent weed suppression.

• Watermelon & Vegetable Fields – Used under proper label guidance, especially where grass weed pressure is severe.

• Nurseries – Applied carefully in tree and shrub nurseries to maintain weed-free beds.

Regional Suitability

Farmers in tropical and subtropical regions benefit greatly from Metolachlor’s early-season control, particularly in areas with warm soils that favor rapid weed germination. In temperate zones, it supports large-scale corn and sorghum production by delivering consistent control in fields with heavy grass weed populations.

By combining broad weed spectrum coverage with proven crop safety, Metolachlor 960g/L EC helps growers secure higher yields and reduce costly re-treatments throughout the season.

Application Guidelines & Dosage

To maximize the performance of Metolachlor 960g/L EC, it is essential to apply it at the right timing, rate, and soil condition. This ensures a continuous soil barrier that stops annual grass weeds and sensitive broadleaf weeds before they can emerge.

Recommended Dosage by Crop

Best Timing for Application

• Pre-emergence Window: Apply Metolachlor 960g/L EC before weed seeds germinate or immediately after planting the crop. This timing ensures the herbicide is positioned in the top few centimeters of soil where weed seeds are present.

• Soil Condition: A firm, well-prepared seedbed with good soil moisture is crucial. Dry, cloddy soils may reduce herbicide activation. Light rainfall or irrigation after application can help incorporate the herbicide evenly into the soil layer.

Application Method

• Spray Equipment: Use well-calibrated ground sprayers equipped with flat-fan nozzles to deliver a uniform spray pattern.

• Water Volume: 200–400 L/ha of clean water is recommended for thorough soil coverage.

• Agitation: Keep the spray tank agitated to maintain a stable emulsion throughout the application.

• Drift Prevention: Avoid spray drift to adjacent sensitive crops or non-target areas.

Post-Application Considerations

• Rainfastness: Light rainfall after spraying can aid soil incorporation and activation. Heavy rain immediately after application may cause runoff; avoid application if heavy rain is forecast within 6 hours.

• Reseeding or Replanting: If replanting is required, check your local metolachlor label or agronomic guidelines for minimum intervals to avoid crop injury.

By following these application guidelines, growers can ensure that Metolachlor 960g/L EC forms an effective soil barrier for grass weed control, minimizing early-season competition and supporting strong crop establishment.

Tank Mix Compatibility & Precautions

Metolachlor 960g/L EC is well-known for its flexibility to be used alone or in combination with other pre- or early post-emergence herbicides to expand the spectrum of weed control. When properly mixed and applied, it helps growers tackle both grass and certain broadleaf weeds in a single program.

Compatible Tank Mix Partners

• Atrazine: A common partner in corn and sorghum programs. The combination provides strong residual control of annual broadleaf weeds in addition to grass weeds.

• Mesotrione or Isoxaflutole: Used in corn rotations where broader-spectrum pre-emergent control is needed.

• Glyphosate (in conservation tillage): For burndown of emerged weeds before the soil-applied Metolachlor takes effect. Ensure sequential application or follow label guidance.

• Other Chloroacetanilide Products: Some growers integrate Metolachlor with other Group 15 herbicides for improved control of multiple grass species.

Always refer to local extension guidelines and perform a small jar test if mixing with unfamiliar products.

Key Mixing and Application Precautions

1. Soil Type Matters: Heavy clay soils or soils with high organic matter may require the upper end of the dosage range for consistent weed suppression.

2. Avoid Overlapping Sprays: Excessive overlap can cause localized crop injury, especially in sandy soils.

3. Rainfall Timing: Light rain after application helps activate the soil barrier. However, heavy rain immediately after spraying may move the herbicide deeper than needed, reducing efficacy and potentially affecting sensitive crop roots.

4. Adjuvants: Some tank mixes may recommend an adjuvant. Use only those approved on the Metolachlor herbicide label, and avoid surfactants that may increase crop uptake in unintended ways.

5. Don’t Mix with Strongly Acidic Products: Highly acidic or alkaline tank-mix partners can destabilize the EC formulation. Always follow manufacturer recommendations.

6. Clean Equipment: After spraying, rinse and clean all spray equipment thoroughly to avoid carryover that could injure non-target crops in the next spraying cycle.

Resistance Management Tip

When building a tank mix program, rotate herbicide modes of action to delay resistance development in problem grass weed species. Metolachlor should be part of an integrated weed management plan rather than the sole control strategy year after year.

By applying these best practices, you ensure that your tank mixes with Metolachlor 960g/L EC deliver broad-spectrum grass and broadleaf weed control, while protecting your crops and maximizing ROI for every hectare treated.

Field Use Scenarios

Farmers worldwide choose Metolachlor 960g/L EC as a reliable pre-emergent tool to protect crops from aggressive annual grasses and small-seeded broadleaf weeds.
Here’s how it works in real-world fields across different crops and growing conditions.

Scenario 1: Corn Fields in Temperate Zones

In many corn-producing regions with moderate spring rainfall, weeds like crabgrass and foxtail germinate just as soil temperatures rise for planting.
Farmers typically apply Metolachlor 960g/L EC immediately after planting but before corn emergence. Light rainfall after application helps incorporate the herbicide, forming a uniform barrier in the topsoil. This ensures that grass weeds absorb the active ingredient during germination, preventing competition for nutrients and moisture during the critical stand establishment phase.

Scenario 2: Sorghum Fields in Semi-Arid Regions

In semi-arid zones where irrigation may be limited, growers rely on Metolachlor for its residual soil activity to suppress grass weeds like barnyardgrass and wild millet.
By applying at the 1–3 leaf stage of weeds (still pre-emergent for late flushes), the herbicide remains active long enough to protect the crop through early tillering.
Farmers often integrate Metolachlor with atrazine or mesotrione in a sequential program for broader-spectrum weed control under dryland conditions.

Scenario 3: Watermelon Production in Subtropical Areas

In vegetable rotations like watermelon, uncontrolled early grass weeds can severely impact yield and fruit quality.
Growers commonly use Metolachlor 960g/L EC to establish a clean seedbed before the vines spread.
After bed formation and just before or after transplanting, the herbicide is sprayed uniformly on moist soil and activated by light irrigation.
This prevents goosegrass and foxtail from establishing dense mats, allowing better airflow and easier harvesting later in the season.

Scenario 4: Conservation Tillage Programs

In no-till or minimum-till systems, Metolachlor plays an important role as a soil-applied herbicide that complements burndown programs.
Growers may first apply glyphosate to eliminate existing weeds, then apply Metolachlor 960g/L EC for extended pre-emergence residual control.
This dual approach helps keep fields clean for several weeks, minimizing the need for frequent in-season spot treatments.

Key Takeaway

Across these scenarios, the consistent theme is that Metolachlor 960g/L EC creates a dependable soil barrier against tough grasses and select broadleaf weeds.
When applied at the right time and under the right soil conditions, it reduces the need for repeat passes, saves on labor and fuel costs, and secures a stronger start for high-value crops.

FAQ – Common Questions

Q1: What is the recommended dosage of Metolachlor 960g/L EC for different crops?

The typical dosage ranges from 1.125–1.95 L/ha for watermelon fields and 1.35–1.65 L/ha for crops like corn and sorghum.
Always refer to local guidelines and adjust within this range based on soil type, weed pressure, and regional recommendations. Applying at the higher end of the rate is suggested for heavy clay soils or fields with high organic matter.

Q2: Do I need to reapply if heavy rain occurs after spraying?

Light to moderate rainfall after application can help incorporate Metolachlor into the topsoil, activating its soil barrier effect.
However, if heavy rain occurs immediately after spraying and causes runoff or soil erosion, a follow-up assessment is needed.
In some cases, a partial reapplication may be required to maintain consistent pre-emergent weed control. Always monitor soil conditions and local extension advice.

Q3: How long does Metolachlor remain active in the soil?

When applied under proper conditions, Metolachlor 960g/L EC provides residual weed control for 4–6 weeks, depending on soil type and weather conditions.
Its persistence helps suppress new flushes of grass weeds during the crop’s early growth stages.

Q4: Is there any crop safety interval I should observe?

Yes. Always apply before or immediately after planting but before crop emergence for maximum selectivity.
Metolachlor should not be applied post-emergence to crops unless your local label allows for special situations.
If reseeding or replanting is required, follow the local label’s crop rotation intervals to avoid injury to sensitive follow-up crops.

Q5: Can Metolachlor be tank-mixed with other herbicides?

Yes. Metolachlor 960g/L EC is compatible with many pre- and early post-emergence herbicides, especially atrazine, mesotrione, or glyphosate in conservation tillage.
Always perform a jar test if you are unsure about compatibility, and follow label directions for mixing order and recommended adjuvants.

Q6: How should I store Metolachlor 960g/L EC for best shelf life?

Store the product in its original, sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Under recommended storage conditions, it remains physically and chemically stable for at least 2 years, ensuring consistent performance across seasons.

Q7: Do you offer OEM packaging and bulk supply support?

Yes. POMAIS can customize packaging from 1L retail bottles to 20L drums, provide multilingual labels, and deliver full documentation support for registrations in your local market.
We work with importers and distributors worldwide to help you grow your market share with consistent quality and reliable delivery.

Why Choose POMAIS & Call to Action

When you partner with POMAIS, you gain more than just a reliable supply of Metolachlor 960g/L EC—you gain the confidence of working with an experienced agrochemical manufacturer trusted by importers, distributors, and large-scale growers worldwide.
Our production process follows strict ISO standards, ensuring every batch meets the same high-quality benchmarks for purity, stability, and field performance.

We understand that your market may have unique registration, labeling, and packaging requirements. That’s why we offer flexible OEM services, multilingual label design, and bulk supply scheduling to help you adapt to local conditions and strengthen your brand presence.

With POMAIS, you also benefit from dedicated technical support and up-to-date documentation for registration or local market compliance.
Whether you serve smallholder farms or large commercial operations, you can rely on us to deliver consistent supply, backed by proven formulations for dependable pre-emergent grass weed control.

Ready to secure your next order?
Contact our team today to request pricing, get a product sample, or discuss your custom formulation needs.
Let’s build a stronger market together with Metolachlor 960g/L EC that works, season after season.