Back 2 Basics: Tank Mixing Crop Inputs

Proper Tank Mixing Procedures to Improve Efficiency and Prevent Compatibility Issues for Liquid Crop Inputs

When it comes to liquid crop fertilizer, a bad mixture in your spray tank can quickly turn into a costly mess. Incompatible products or antagonism between inputs can significantly reduce field efficiency. That’s why following proper tank mixing procedures is essential to saving both time and money over the course of the growing season.

Why Proper Tank Mixing Matters for Liquid Fertilizer

In a previous discussion, jar testing helped confirm product compatibility on a small scale. Tank mixing is the next step: taking those same principles and applying them to a full spray tank. When multiple products are combined, the risk of incompatibility increases, making proper procedures even more important.

Water Quality: The Foundation of Tank Mixing

One of the most overlooked aspects of tank mixing is water quality. Water is the carrier for most tank mixes, and its pH level can directly affect the performance of both fertilizer and crop protection products.

Water’s pH can influence how well products dissolve, stay in suspension, and ultimately perform once applied. To identify potential issues, water can be:

• Tested through a local lab
• Checked with at-home test strips
• Adjusted using buffering products designed to bring water to the proper pH range

Getting water quality right before adding products helps prevent compatibility and performance problems later.

Tank Mixing Best Practices

Follow Label Directions First

Before adding anything to the tank, it’s critical to follow all label directions and remain compliant with each manufacturer’s guidelines. Labels provide essential information on mixing order, rates, and compatibility that protect both the applicator and the crop.

Using the WALES Sequence for Tank Mixing

Once water quality is addressed and labels are reviewed, products should be added in the proper order using the WALES mixing sequence:

• W – Wettable Powders or Water-Dispersible Granules
• A – Adjuvants, including buffers and antifoaming agents (added with agitation)
• L – Liquids
• E – Emulsified Concentrates
• S – Surfactants, added last

Allowing adequate time between each step ensures proper agitation and helps products mix thoroughly and stay in suspension.

Consistency Prevents Tank Mix Problems

Proper sequencing, adequate agitation, and attention to water quality all work together to create a stable, effective tank mix. Skipping steps or rushing the process increases the risk of separation, reduced efficacy, or equipment issues in the field.

Learn More About Tank Mixing for Liquid Crop Inputs

Tank mixing doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail. By checking water quality, following label instructions, and using the WALES mixing sequence, growers can protect their equipment, inputs, and crop performance.

For more information and personalized guidance on tank mixing procedures, connect with an agronomy expert.