Agricultural sprays consist of three stages: the tank, the air and the target. Various factors are present during each of these stages, and if they are not properly managed, they can reduce spray effectiveness, resulting in poor performance and wasted inputs.
The use of quality adjuvants can help growers optimise agricultural sprays throughout these different stages.
3 Stages of Agricultural Spraying
| Stage | Factors to Consider | Potential Risks |
|---|---|---|
|
Tank Preparation of the spray mixture before application |
Water quality, chemical reactions, pump shear | Mixing and compatibility, agitation, equipment contamination including tanks, lines and nozzles |
|
Air Atomisation and application of the spray mixture through the air to the target |
Equipment and application, physical properties, atmospheric conditions, environmental conditions | Wind and drift, non-target interception, volatilisation, redistribution |
|
Target Impact with the target crop, weed or soil, followed by retention and deposit |
Spray and surface properties, droplet size and kinetic energy, dynamic spreading, micrometeorological conditions, spreading and retention, surface activity, encounter probability | Reflection, shatter and splash, run-off, volatilisation, evaporation caused by UV, heat and water |
Where Quality Adjuvants Can Help
Adjuvants can be used to help address some of the challenges encountered during the different stages of agricultural spraying.
Hygrotech South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Miller™ Chemical & Fertilizer, LLC, USA, formulated a range of quality adjuvants specifically to optimise agricultural sprays within these different stages. This approach is referred to as the ADJUVANTAGE™ concept.
Hygrotech Adjuvant Solutions
Surebuff is a water-soluble acidifier with buffering properties. It is used with agricultural chemicals that are sensitive to alkaline conditions.
Hygrobuff 4 is an adjuvant used for optimising spray-tank water pH and increasing compatibility between agricultural products. It also acts as a wetting agent and assists with cleaning agricultural equipment.
Mist Control® is designed to reduce drift and improve the deposition of agricultural sprays. It can help reduce the risk of spray drifting away from the intended target and improve the amount of product deposited during application.
These products form part of the Pinolene® range.
They contribute to the adhesion, spreading and deposition of agricultural products. They can also provide benefits such as improved rainfastness and protection against UV and heat degradation.
Nu-Film® P is intended to improve adhesion and spreading while assisting with the deposition of agricultural products.
Sustain® is intended for soil-applied products and assists with adhesion and spreading.
Nu-Film 17® is designed for agricultural applications where longer spray intervals are required, including subtropical fruit and citrus applications.
Entrée™ improves the adhesion and spreading of spray droplets on plant surfaces. It is formulated to promote the movement of systemic products into plant tissue and can be used with both water- and oil-soluble products.
Choosing the Right Adjuvant
Different adjuvants are suited to different stages of the spraying process. The ADJUVANTAGE™ concept is based on selecting the appropriate adjuvant according to where it is needed: the tank, air or target.
By considering the conditions at each stage of application, growers can better manage potential spray risks and optimise the performance of their agricultural sprays.
