Tank Mixing Best Practices: How to Avoid Spray Season Downtime

Today’s tank mixtures are more complicated than previous growing seasons with some orders requiring up to 10 products in the tank at once. Factors like herbicide resistance and increasing fuel prices are forcing growers to adopt strategies such as adding multiple herbicides in one tank, using biological products, and limiting application passes. With these tactics driving the trend of complicated tank mixtures, proper tank mixing etiquette is now more important than ever.

There are many factors that play a part in tank mix etiquette, let’s dive into the main things to consider.

Knowing your mix

The first step to any tank-mixing is to know every product expected to go into the tank. Although experienced mixers and applicators may be able to recognize a problematic mix or combination before it goes in the tank, it is still important to read product labels to identify potential problems before they cause bigger issues. In some cases, product manufacturers may include specific mixing instructions on the label. Products containing atrazine represent a common example of things that could lead to a problematic mix. These products have a reputation for presenting challenges in the tank.

Finding the best mixing order

A general recommendation for mixing order is the W.A.L.E.S.  or D.A.L.E.S. method. Although this method covers the basics, more complex tank mixing may require a more comprehensive guide. Check out the Tank Mix Sequence Guidelines for more in-depth rules and recommendations when creating your mixing order.

Additionally, technology like the free Mix Tank app is a simple way to create a proper mixing order and identify potential problems before products go in the tank. The app allows users to enter the specific products or ingredients going into the tank and then creates a curated order for each mix while alerting the user to potential incompatibilities or watchouts.

Top causes of challenges

Regardless of the method used for creating the proper mixing order, the root of many tank-mixing challenges may involve lack of water, too little or too aggressive agitation, and time. Here are some things to remember when creating your tank mix:

1.  Water volume – nearly every crop protection product was formulated to be intentionally diluted in water. When batch mixing, regardless of proper mixing order, compatibility issues commonly arise from lack of water available for dilution. This may cause products to gel together or form precipitates (salts).
2. Agitation – although diluting products with water may prevent many compatibility issues, agitation is still an important factor to ensure uniform dispersion of all the products in the tank. If proper agitation does not occur during mixing or prior to application, products may settle out resulting in non-uniform applications or incompatibility. This is especially important in many newer crop protection products due to multiple active ingredients in one jug.
3. Time – One of the simplest yet often overlooked ways to prevent compatibility issues is allowing enough time for a product to mix or disperse before adding the next product. Taking an extra minute to allow products to properly mix can prevent the formation “cottage cheese” that lead to plugged spray tips, screens, filters, and poor overall performance.

Compatibility Agents and other considerations

Even after doing all the right things, today’s complicated tank mixtures may still have compatibility issues. Compatibility agents, such as Convert™, help homogenize the mixture to deliver a consistent, stable spray solution. Additionally, excellent sprayer hygiene is necessary to prevent cross-contamination of products and alleviate potential future issues. A strong tank cleaner, like Erase™, can break down tough dried on and oily residues in spray tanks and hard to reach places such as lines and filters.

Performance in the Field Starts with Precision in the Tank

Combating tank mixing challenges and incompatibilities require excellent mixing practices coupled with superior products. Talk to your agronomist or a Precision Laboratories representative about the Mix Tank app, Convert, and Erase and set yourself up for success this spray season.  

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