When you’re committed to achieving pristine greens and landscapes, effective pesticide applications are essential. As the largest component of a pesticide tank mix, water can significantly impact application effectiveness. The composition of water, including its hardness, pH levels, and potential contamination, directly influences the bioefficacy of herbicide and pesticide tank mixes. Ensuring quality water is simple when a water conditioner is added to the tank mix.
Water with high mineral content, known as “hard water,” is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone, chalk, or gypsum, primarily made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, and sulfates. The dissolved magnesium, calcium, and other minerals form the hard water cations. These cations react with negatively charged pesticide molecules, reducing efficacy and/or affecting active ingredient solubility.
Some water conditioners will lower the pH, while others will increase the pH. Adjusting the tank mix’s pH to the desired pH of the active helps to get the most out of a pesticide application.
Sediment, algae, and other contaminants may interfere with active ingredients in a tank mix. This can cause filter and nozzle issues as well as reduce overall pesticide effectiveness. The negative impact of water sediment can be addressed to a certain extent by sequestering water conditioners.
There are four categories of water conditioners: ammonium sulfate (AMS), acidulants, salts, and EDTA chelates. AMS and acidifiers both lower the pH of a tank mix. Salts such as potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, and sodium hydroxide raise the pH. These three categories are grouped as pH modifiers and can raise, lower, or buffer the pH of a tank mix. They can also affect a pesticide’s volatility, which is particularly important when dicamba-based pesticides are used.
This demonstration of COMPLETION™ shows how a water conditioner acts in a tank mix.
pH modifiers do double duty by complexing with the hard water cations preventing them from interfering with the negatively charged pesticide while modifying the pH.
Buffering agents not only change the pH of a tank mix, but also hold that pH steady so that it is less likely to fluctuate.
The last category, EDTA chelates, does not affect the pH. They sequester undesirable particles or molecules that can negatively affect a tank mix.
AMS has unique dual functionality in a tank mix. The sulfate reacts with the hard water minerals in the water, and the ammonium helps transport the active ingredient into the plant. However, using traditional AMS is inconvenient because it is needed in large quantities and is difficult to dissolve, making it expensive to ship and handle.
Fortunately, there are liquid AMS-based water conditioners that can also offer other beneficial water conditioning functionalities.
Why use a separate water conditioner, surfactant, and other adjuvants when you can simply mix in one multifunctional with various adjuvant characteristics, all in one bottle?
With a built-in water conditioner, multifunctionals provide an excellent option for tank mixes that could benefit from both a water conditioner and other types of adjuvants.
DRApHT PICK™ is a multifunctional adjuvant containing a Water Conditioner, Nonionic Surfactant, and Buffering Agent.
DRApHT PICK is a prime example of an adjuvant that conditions water while providing additional benefits. This multifunctional adjuvant is a water conditioner, nonionic surfactant, and buffering agent all in one. DRApHT PICK includes an indicator dye that turns solution a color (yellow, orange, or red) according to pH range, improves tank mix compatibility, and acts as a premium surfactant to aid in spreading the active ingredient thoroughly. DRApHT PICK also increases wetting and penetration even on waxy or weather-hardened surfaces.
Adding a water conditioner to the tank mix makes ensuring water quality simple. Hard water, pH levels, and contamination are far less of a concern with a water conditioner in the mix. Pristine greens and beautiful landscapes are within reach as water conditioners ensure effective pesticide applications.
Surfactants are widely used across the world – in fact, you probably use surfactants every day in soaps, detergents, toothpaste, cosmetics, and countless other applications. Surfactants are just as important in agriculture and turf and understanding how and when to use the right surfactant can make or break a successful application.
Pre-emergence herbicide applications offer a valuable tool to prevent or reduce weed infestations early in the season. While these applications are helpful, it can be a challenge to achieve optimum results. Adjuvant use is increasing and studies continue to prove their effectiveness.
Cutting-edge discussions on golf course maintenance, including adjuvants and wetting agents, took place at the 2024 GCSAA Conference. The Exacto team was in full swing, bringing spray adjuvants, wetting agents, and innovative formulations to the table.
Oil and water might not mix alone, but with the right emulsifier, they can be combined into a stable emulsion. The fascinating science behind emulsion stability reveals how adding the right emulsifier to a pesticide tank mix can ensure a uniform and consistent application.
Listen in as Brad DeBels, a prominent figure in the turf industry and the President of the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association, discusses current turf challenges, provides insight on the increasing value of turf, and shares his perspectives on the future of the green industry.
Pesticides and herbicides require proper mixing and application to be effective in preventing weed takeovers. WALES and other acronyms are a trick to ensure optimal mixing. Following proper mixing order can alleviate foam, sludge, broken emulsions, and other reactions that can occur through mixing.
In turf and ornamental applications, the effective use of spray applications is crucial for maintaining the health and aesthetics of landscapes. Among the various factors contributing to success, incorporating deposition aids is a critical element that can significantly elevate the outcomes.
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