"Potassium salts of Fatty Acids" as herbicides???

[Gerald Y. Kinro -- State of Hawaii]

Frank Kolwicz (bb389 at lafn.org) wrote:

: I picked up a "safer" herbicide the other day composed, so the label 
: says, of "potassium salts of fatty acids". The label has no warnings 
: about food plants and says it works on anything, +\-.

: I'm looking for a better alternative to Roundup for crabgrass, nut grass, 
: quack grass and other jointed grasses that are overrunning my southern 
: California lawn and garden.
:  
: Any information will be appreciated, especially efficacy, toxicity, and 
: soil longevity.

: Frank
: -- 
: Frank Kolwicz
: F.H.P.Kolwicz Photography, 271 Mesa Ave. 
: Newbury Park,  CA  91320, (805)499-2237
: f/64ART

The product you mentioned is also used as an insecticide.  If it does, 
work as a herbicide, it will do so as a contact.  Many of the weeds you 
mentioned are perennials, and will require a systemic herbicide for even 
partial control.