Lawn Beast

When it comes to mixing herbicides, it's crucial to follow certain guidelines to ensure efficacy and safety. However, it's also important to remember that not all herbicides are meant to be mixed and doing so can potentially increase the risk of plant damage, reduce efficacy, or even have legal consequences. Always check the label or consult with a professional before proceeding.

Understand Your Needs

Before you even start thinking about mixing, it's important to know what you're trying to achieve. Identify the weeds you are trying to control and choose herbicides that are effective against those weeds.

Read the Labels

The most important step is to read the labels of the herbicides you intend to mix. This will provide information about potential interactions, rates, and application timing. It will also provide any warnings about particular crops or conditions to avoid. Some herbicides may not be compatible and could cause harmful effects when mixed.

Perform a Jar Test

Before mixing herbicides in large amounts, perform a small jar test. This involves mixing the herbicides in a small, clear jar in the proportions that they will be mixed in the tank. Shake the jar and observe for any reactions such as clumping, separation, or the formation of a gel. Any of these signs indicate the herbicides should not be mixed.

Mix Herbicides in the Correct Order

In general, the order in which herbicides are mixed can affect the final solution. A typical order might be:

• Fill the spray tank 1/2 full with water
• Add any compatibility agents or buffering agents if needed
• Add dry flowable or water-dispersible granules
• Add liquid flowables
• Add emulsifiable concentrates
• Add surfactants or adjuvants
• Fill the tank with water to the desired volume.

Monitor the Spray Solution

After mixing the herbicides, keep an eye on the spray solution. Look for signs of separation or settling, which can indicate that the herbicides are not mixing properly.

Apply the Mixture Promptly

Once mixed, herbicides should be applied promptly. Leaving the mixture sitting in the tank for prolonged periods can result in reduced efficacy or other issues.

Clean the Sprayer

After application, it's important to thoroughly clean the sprayer to remove any residual herbicides. This can help prevent unwanted interactions with the next spray solution.

Observe the Results and Adjust if Necessary

After applying the herbicides, monitor the treated weeds to check the efficacy of the mixture. If the results are not as expected, you might need to adjust the mixture or the application method.