The aim of this study was to examine the effect of spraying two herbicidal ionic liquid (HIL) forms of MCPA – namely Ethoquad O-12 and didecyldimethylammonium (a cation) and MCPA (an anion) – on the uptake of Mn, Zn, and Cu by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The total elemental contents of the aboveground parts of the spring barley were measured using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy 24 and 72h after fields were sprayed. The data was compared to controls that consisted of the corresponding treatments using a commercial formulation of MCPA as a salt or ester. The field studies revealed lower contents of Mn, Zn, and Cu in the material after use of commercial formulation compared to HILs. This clean technology provides the means to reduce toxic waste from an industrial chemical process and increase its efficiency in terms of weed control by increasing the absorption rate of macro- and microelements.