SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1982
STP29338S

Compatibility Agents for Liquid Fertilizer-Pesticide Combinations

Source

Liquid fertilizers can vary in pH, free ammonia content, viscosity, salt concentration, nutrient analysis, and water activity. Most pesticides are complex organic molecules and are formulated in such different forms as wettable powders, flowables, emulsifiable concentrates, and solutions. Reaction from combining the two can result in anything from a uniform mixture to the formation of substances resembling gels, thick creams, or oily scum which may settle on the bottom of the tank, float on the top, or coat the insides of the tank and spraying equipment. Spraying such incompatible mixtures can result in uneven distribution, poor performance, crop injury, and the buildup of soil and crop residues. A wide variety of compatibility agents is being offered to growers to improve the performance of their chemicals. These compatibility agents differ widely in their chemistry as well as in their performance. A simple test using proportionate quantities of the components can provide growers and custom applicators with the compatibility potential of their chemicals and will also aid in determining whether or not a particular compatibility agent would alleviate the compatibility problem. The results of various liquid fertilizer-pesticide compatibility tests will be discussed. Standard procedures will be offered for performing a compatibility test. Guidelines for premixing various pesticide formulations and compatibility agents before adding them to the spray tank have been established.

Author Information

Devisetty, BN
Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co., Madison, Wis.
Zuccarini, RL
Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co., Madison, Wis.
Hanson, JR
Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co., Madison, Wis.
Ernst, HW
Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co., Madison, Wis.
Haug, WH
Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co., Madison, Wis.
Price: $25.00
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Details
Developed by Committee: E35
Pages: 11–23
DOI: 10.1520/STP29338S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4829-1
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0828-8