Mixing several products in one tank — the right order, and a jar test first
Products that cannot be mixed clump together and block nozzles in the middle of the field. Preventing it takes five minutes and one glass.
About 3 min read
In this article
Mixing several products in one tank to spray in a single round really does save time and fuel. But some pairs react when mixed, clumping, forming sediment or losing their effect. The problem shows up when you are already in the middle of the field, which is too late.
Always test in a jar first
- The most effective and quickest method is a test in a clear container. Measure water into a clear glass in the same proportion you will really use, then add the products one at a time in the order you will really mix them. Stir well and leave it to stand for about fifteen minutes.
If you see sediment that does not mix back in when stirred, lumps like curdled milk, a separate oily layer floating on top, a change of colour or heat being given off, that pair cannot be mixed. Do not put it in the tank.
The order of adding really matters
- The general rule is to fill the tank about halfway with water first, turn on the agitation or stir so the water is moving, then add the products one at a time, letting each one mix in fully before adding the next.
The order commonly used is powders or granules that must dissolve in water first, followed by thick suspension concentrates, then oil-based products or those that turn milky in water. Spreader-stickers and adjuvants go in last.
⚠️ This order is a general rule. The labels of some products state a specific order or specific restrictions. Always follow the label first.
What you must not do
- Never pour two concentrated products straight into each other before dilution. The most violent reactions happen this way.
Never leave a mix standing overnight. Mixed products are less stable than in the bottle, and some break down within a few hours.
Never mix more than you will actually use, because leftover mix becomes waste that is hard to dispose of.
Points specific to drone spraying
- Drones use far less water than traditional spraying, so the mix in the tank is more concentrated than many people are used to. The higher concentration raises the chance of compatibility problems as well. Jar testing is therefore more important than before. It is not something to skip because you once mixed that pair in a large tank without problems.
- Important note
- This article explains general safety principles. It is not a recommendation to use any particular chemical. Mixing rates, the crops a product may be used on and the waiting periods required differ by product and change with government notifications. Always treat the product label as the authority, and consult an agricultural specialist or our staff before deciding to use it.
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