Get the Best Results With the Sprayer!

It is worth thinking about the correct mixing of spray liquids. This ensures that the active ingredients remain effective and liquid fertilisers, biostimulants and amino acids are better absorbed by the plant.

A failure to tank mix correctly can result in clogged equipment, uneven spray and waste of valuable products and nutrients.

The importance of water quality:

The water should be very clean, free of any particles or suspended solids. It might be necessary to use tap water instead of irrigation water to get the highest water quality possible.

If the water used to mix the spray mixture has a high pH or the water hardness is too high, this can negatively affect the result. Calcium-, iron- and magnesium-ions can bind to the active ingredients and reduce their effectiveness.

It is therefore advisable to first determine the pH value after filling in 2/3 of the water quantity. After adding a pH buffer solution such as TourTurf^® FS Micro Pack, vinegar or citric acid, the pH is measured again and adjusted step by step. For most applications, the pH of the spray mixture should be between pH 4 to 6. You get best results between pH 5 to 6. Simple test strips are suitable for determining the pH value.

Water hardness can be determined using test strips, lab analysis, or the analysis of your water plant when using tap water.

Spray_pH_BlogPostArticleImage1200x675

Water temperature:

The solubility of nutrients in water is temperature dependent. Often a water temperature around 20°C is aimed at. This will not be possible in autumn or winter, using cold tap water or well water, but it can help to fill the sprayer 2/3 with water in the evening and leave the sprayer indoors in the machine shed. The solubility of nutrients and the mixability will be improved.

Follow the Tank Mix Guide:

Check the Tank Mix Guide on the last page of the TourTurf catalogue to see which products are compatible and tank mixable. A few products should be only applied as a single product application. Some mixtures even provide synergistic effects.

Do a jar test:

In a small container add water and products in amounts equivalent to the application rate.

For example mix in a small jar:

400ml of water
40 ml of product 1 (equivalent to application rate of 40 l/ha)
40 ml of product 2 (equivalent to application rate of 40 l/ha)
40 ml of product 3 (equivalent to application rate of 40 l/ha)
Top up with water until you reach 700 ml (equivalent to application in 700 l of water /ha)
Stir the mixture.

If the solution is still stable after 15 minutes and there is no precipitation, you can most likely go ahead with mixing the products in this way.

Use Anti-foam if necessary:

Wetting Agents and products containing natural surfactants tend to foam excessively.

Add TourTurf^® AFL Anti-foam Liquid before adding the Wetting Agent and any foam has formed. This avoids staining the sprayer and wasting product.

Spray_Foam_BlogPostArticleImage1200x675

Add Indicator dye or paint:

TourTurf^® GTP Green Turf Paint can be used to improve the quality of spraying especially with older equipment without foam markers. Helps to avoid overlapping and to identify compromised nozzles quickly.

SpringStart_GTPField_BlogPostArticleImage1200x675

Select the correct nozzles:

Some products are intended to be used as foliar fertilisers coating the leaves. Others are intended to be applied with a higher application rate of water with coarser nozzles to be applied to the soil and penetrate the soil profile.

The types of nozzles required and the amount of water to be used is indicated on all our product labels.

Spray_Nozzle_BlogPostArticleImage1200x675

Use TourTurf^® FBM Foam Bout Marker to increase the accuracy of the spray even under adverse conditions. FBM produces a high quality and firm foam.

It aids spray operators to eliminate the problems caused by spray overlap, especially on fairways and other large areas of turf.

Spray_Sprayer_BlogPostArticleImage1200x675

Remember:

Check Mixability with the Tank Mix Guide
Make a jar test
Select the correct nozzles
Fill the tank with 2/3 of the water quantity
Check the pH
Add the required amount of buffer solution or acid
Check pH value again, acidify further step by step if necessary
With the agitator switched on, add products one after the other, separately
Start with the product with the lowest pH, add the one with the highest pH last
First add poorly soluble salts, then liquid products, liquid fertiliser and finally wetting agent
Each product should be completely dissolved before another product is added
If Anti-foam is necessary, add it to the mixture before foam develops
Top up with the remaining water
Use as quickly as possible

After the application:

Tank mixtures should be applied immediately to minimise separation and loss of effectiveness.

The spray tank and the system should be thoroughly cleaned with TourTurf^® APC All Purpose Tank Cleaner after application to minimise residual quantities within the system.

Even small amounts of spray agent residue in the sprayer can lead to mixing problems. TourTurf^® APC All Purpose Tank Cleaner is a liquid cleaning agent that removes pesticide residues and other residues, including oily substances, from tanks, hoses, filters and nozzles.

The product can also be used in a pressure washer to remove residues, dirt, etc. from the outside of the sprayer.

Get the best results when out with the sprayer, every time!

How To