RapiSol technology micro-nutrients from Agspec are built for Ag Chemicals, but it’s important to understand why.
There are five major pillars of product compatibility:
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
- Formulation
- Label
Combining two or more chemicals in a tank saves time and fuel, however this may come at the expense of performance if the tank mix isn’t completely compatible.
WARNING: Physical compatibility of chemistry does not guarantee chemical compatibility nor biological compatibility.
An explanation of these 3 forms of compatibility is summarised:
- Physical compatibility:
Some pesticides and pesticides/fertilisers cannot be physically mixed. For example, 2,4-D Amine, when mixed with Copper Sulphate, results in a curdle of thick gelatinous sludge, causing blockages of filters and nozzles.
Physical incompatibility can also cause solids to settle out of the mixture – or cause mixtures to separate into layers after agitation – unfortunately the chemical reaction isn’t always this obvious. For instance, when Ammonium Sulphate (AMS) is added to hard water, it reacts with the calcium and magnesium ions in the spray tank water, causing a precipitate in the spray solution.
Water quality also plays an important part; water hardness, pH and even low water temperature can reduce the ability of some products to mix and maybe cause of concern.
- Chemical compatibility:
Sometimes, products that mix, still shouldn’t be used together. The combined activity may alter and be different than if the products were applied separately. Resulting in decreased activity (antagonism).
Chemical incompatibility that doesn’t cause a glug or gel can still reduce the activity of one or more active ingredients unfortunately this may not become apparent until there is evidence of CropShock®* (damage, leaf-burn), phytotoxicity or reduction in weed control. An Agricultural Chemical label may indicate – “Adjuvant, broadleaf, grass herbicide, insecticide or foliar fertiliser tank mixes may result in transient height reduction, crop discolouration and delayed flowering, although yields are unaffected”.
*CropShock is any form of stress on the crop that negatively impacts the crop. It is most commonly expressed as phytotoxicity.
- Biological compatibility:
This is when the biological activity within the plant is reduced or stopped due to a reaction with one or more of the products applied, resulting in a reduction in performance.
Where negative biological effects have been observed in company trials, a cautionary statement will often be included on the label, e.g., “mixing with zinc-based foliar fertilisers may result in loss of efficiency.”
Some ag chemicals may inhibit the plant’s ability to utilise nutrients like manganese, inducing a nutrient deficiency even though leaf tissue tests indicate adequate manganese levels. Where this occurs, the addition of RapiSol Mn is recommended in the tank mix.
- Formulation:
The structure and formulation of chemicals and fertilisers is important in determining total compatibility. If there is a change in the production formulation, then this can dramatically impact the final compatibility of products. With fertiliser for example, liquid complex chelate formulations are more compatible than straight sulphate fertilisers, and RapiSol Technology has superior compatibility over liquid complex chelates.
- Label
In Australia, the product label is a legal document that must be followed at all times. If the label states “Do Not” then don’t.
Why? You might be putting the crop at risk of CropShock potential, where leaf burn or severe crop retardation may occur. Also, a noticeable reduction in the performance of the product may be triggered.
Always read the label before use.
Tank mixing order
Industry guidelines recommend that chemicals should be mixed in the following order:
1. Partly fill the spray tank with water as per label directions to at least 70% full. Commence agitation and maintain agitation during the mixing and spraying process. 2. Add any Water Conditioners (AMS) 3. Add any Wettable Powders (WP) or Dry Flowable (DF) products (BLUE SPEAR®) 4. Add any Water Dispersible Granules (WDG) products (RAPISOL®) 5. Add any Flowable Liquids (FL) or Suspension Concentrates (SC) 6. Add any Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC) 7. Add any Aqueous Concentrate (AC) or Soluble Liquids (SL) (SPEEDY®) 8. Add Adjuvant if required (HYGRO-STIC®, RYWETT TX®) 9. Fill the remainder of the spray tank with water. Use the spray mix immediately with agitation running at all times. (unless otherwise stated on label). Footnote: Always read the product label for the manufacturer’s tank mix recommendations and to determine individual product compatibility options and correct mixing order for individual products. If unsure, perform a jar test before proceeding to determine physical compatibility. Physical compatibility does not always guarantee chemical compatibility. ®Registered Trademark |