Glyphosate vs Glufosinate: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to powerful weed control, two names often stand out: Glyphosate and Glufosinate. At first glance, they might seem similar—both are non-selective herbicides used in farming and landscaping—but their mode of action, effectiveness, and ideal use cases are actually quite different.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Glyphosate and Glufosinate to help you choose the right solution for your needs.
What Are Glyphosate and Glufosinate?
| Herbicide | Type | Action Speed | Mode of Action | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate | Non-selective, systemic | Slow (7–14 days) | Blocks EPSP enzyme – halts protein synthesis | Field prep, deep-rooted weeds |
| Glufosinate | Non-selective, contact | Fast (2–5 days) | Inhibits glutamine synthetase – disrupts photosynthesis | Quick burn-down, shallow weeds |
1. How They Work (Mode of Action)
Glyphosate: Absorbed through the leaves and translocated throughout the plant, including roots. It inhibits the EPSP synthase enzyme, which plants need to make essential proteins.
Glufosinate: Acts more like a contact herbicide—it doesn’t move deeply into the plant. Instead, it shuts down photosynthesis quickly by blocking glutamine production.
Bottom Line: Glyphosate kills from the roots up, Glufosinate from the leaves down.
2. Speed of Results
Glyphosate takes 7–14 days for full results, but ensures long-term weed suppression.
Glufosinate works faster—2–5 days—making it great for quick knockdown.
3. When to Use Each
| Scenario | Best Herbicide |
|---|---|
| Preparing large fields before planting | Glyphosate |
| Killing shallow-rooted or annual weeds quickly | Glufosinate |
| Managing tough perennial weeds | Glyphosate |
| Spot-spraying between rows or fencing | Glufosinate |
4. Environmental Behavior
Glyphosate binds tightly to soil and breaks down within weeks.
Glufosinate degrades rapidly and has minimal soil activity.
Both are non-residual when used properly and do not pose long-term harm to soil fertility.
5. Which One Should You Use?
Choose Glyphosate if you want:
- Root-deep weed killing
- Long-term control
- Pre-plant land prep
Choose Glufosinate if you want:
- Fast, visible results
- Spot treatment
- Easy weed knockdown between crops or paths