Direct Enterprises Brings Spray Tank Product Aimed to Replace Dry AMS in Traditional Spray Programs to Growers and Custom Applicators

“Dry AMS has been the mainstay solution to hard water since man first started adjusting pH for spray programs. Handling those bags is a pain and every farmer or custom applicator out there can relate,” said Bill Haubner, Direct Enterprises president and owner. “For a few cents less, 1.5oz of ReadyWater™ replaces 17lbs of dry AMS per 100 gallons of spray solution in a traditional program.”

Direct Enterprises is pleased to announce the launch of an exclusive go-to-market agreement with Grower Freedom Alliance, allowing Direct Enterprises to offer growers nationwide, and specifically the greater corn-belt, ReadyWater™–a unique spray tank additive designed to eliminate the need for AMS when combatting hard water and adjusting pH.

98-99% of total spray solution is water–the foundation of a spray program. For farmers an custom applicators across the nation, hard water is a major issue to address, otherwise there’s the risk of reduced uptake, slower activity, inconsistent control and more resprays.

Many commonly-used herbicides like glyphosate and glufosinate are weak-acid herbicides. When mixed with hard water, which contains positively charged cations such as calcium (Ca²+) and magnesium (Mg²+), these cations can bind to the negatively charged herbicide molecules. This binding process, called chelation, forms inactive complexes that are poorly absorbed by plant tissues. Glyphosate, for example, readily chelates calcium ions, and a single Ca²+ ion can tie up multiple glyphosate molecules.

The solution? A chelation agent that binds to the positively charged minerals, keeping them soluble and ensuring herbicide efficacy remains uneffected by hard water. In a convenient, ready-to-use liquid formulation, ReadyWater™ replaces dry AMS, providing the same efficacy at relatively the same cost as AMS. Save time and cost of handling when loading the sprayer, while 5 gallons of ReadyWater™ replaces 142 50lb bags of AMS.

ReadyWater is formulated with 100% organic acids derived through fermentation–not strong mineral acids, like sulfuric or phosphoric acid. This provides significant agronomic advantages:

• Moderated pH adjustment – Organic acids reduce spray water pH in a controlled manner without the extreme acidification associated with strong mineral acids.

• Hard water conditioning – The organic acid molecules complex calcium, magnesium, and other hard water ions that can interfere with herbicide performance.

• Natural buffering behavior – Fermentation-derived organic acids provide inherent buffering capacity, helping maintain a more stable spray solution environment.

• Reduced corrosion potential – Compared to strong mineral acid systems, organic acid formulations are generally less aggressive toward equipment when used at recommended rates.

“Through continuous testing, we’ve verified the efficacy of ReadyWater™ through real sprayers, on real farms,” said Billy Tiller, CEO, Grower Freedom Alliance. “For several years now, we’ve been able to add efficiency to growers’ spray programs in the South. We are excited to expand the potential for ReadyWater™ by entering into this exclusive distribution and marketing agreement with Direct Enterprises. This will allow for greater exposure and ultimately help more growers and custom applicators safeguard their tank mix from the negative effects of hard water, without handling dozens of bags of Dry AMS.”

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