Mixing products for a drone — the right order and what not to do

Mixing for a drone differs from mixing a large tank in that the concentration is higher, so problems you never had before can appear.

Why mixing order matters

Products come in different forms: some are powders, some are oils, some are solutions. Mixed in the wrong order, they may clump, separate into layers or form sediment, which blocks nozzles and makes the product applied to the field uneven.

General principles

Fill the tank about halfway with water first, turn on the agitation or circulation, then add products one at a time, letting each mix in well before adding the next. Then top up with water to the full amount.

The order commonly used is to start with the product that is hardest to disperse and finish with the one that dissolves most easily. But the truly correct order depends on the products used, so treat the instructions on each product's label as the authority.

What not to do

Pour concentrated product into an empty tank and then add water afterwards.
Mix several products without ever testing whether they are compatible.
Mix and leave it overnight to use the next day.
Use water with sediment, or water from an uncertain source, without filtering.

How to test whether products are compatible

Mix a small amount in a clear container in the same proportions you will really use, leave it to stand for a while, then look for separation into layers, clumping or sediment. If you see any, do not use it in the real tank. This takes only a few minutes but saves you from wasting a whole tank and the time spent cleaning the system.

Water quality matters too

Water with suspended sediment blocks nozzles quickly, and hard water affects how well some products work. If you use water from a pond or canal, always filter it first.

Safety while mixing

Mix in a well-ventilated place and wear gloves and protective equipment as the label specifies. Do not mix where there are children or pets, and deal with empty containers properly as advised; do not reuse them to hold anything else.
Important note
This article explains general principles. It is not a recommendation for any specific chemical. Suitable mixing rates and timing differ by substance, crop, growth stage and field conditions. Always treat the product label as the authority, and ask our staff or an agricultural specialist before deciding.