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Phytosanitary management using product mixtures in tanks is already a common practice on farms. Each property has its own specific characteristics, so spray mixture preparation should always be carefully analyzed and guided to prevent and correct errors. It must also follow guidelines on the correct sequence of product addition, risks of physical and chemical incompatibilities, storage time, and the interference of mixtures. Additionally, it’s important to understand and choose the best method for preparing a high-quality spray mixture.

Tank mixture preparation systems
The three most commonly used operational systems for spray mixture preparation and addition to the sprayer tank are known as spray mixture incorporators, pre-mix tanks, and ready-to-use and concentrated mixture systems.

• Incorporators
  It is a component that comes factory-installed on sprayers to facilitate the spray mixture preparation process. The use of this system has declined due to the operational advantages offered by pre-mix and ready-mixture systems.

• Pre-Mixers
  In this system, products are diluted in water. Most units include a spray nozzle and internal water injection into the containers, in order to perform triple rinsing and the immediate pumping into the sprayer tank. It is recommended to have some type of spray mixture agitation system. In this process, close attention must be paid to the amount of water used, as preparing with low volumes can saturate the system and compromise solubility.

• Ready-to-Use and Concentrated Mixtures
  In this system, the spray mixture is prepared in a designated location separate from the sprayer and may be stored in a tank truck, allowing it to be later transferred to the sprayer tank. It requires one truck for transporting concentrated spray mixture and another for transporting water, or a single truck capable of carrying both water and different products simultaneously. The main advantage of this process is the reduction in time spent moving the sprayer for refilling. It also offers better control, safety, and ease of operation in the field.

Product Addition Sequence
When preparing the spray mixture, it is extremely important to understand the specific sequence for each product, which must be followed according to the type of formulation, viscosity, and solubility of each input. Priority should be given to adding enough water first to create turbulence or fluid movement throughout the entire tank. Next, the addition of a water conditioner will depend on the water quality and the mixture’s potential to create foam. Other adjuvants can be added at the end.

Tank mixing is regulated by Normative Instruction No. 40, dated October 11, 2018 (Mapa), and must be signed off by an agronomist. Always seek professional guidance, both to determine the best method for preparing your spray mixture and to understand which products are most suitable and in what order they should be added, depending on your crop and region.

Based on: Revista A Granja, May 2020 edition, pp. 39 and 40 – How to Prepare Tank Mixtures.