Mixing Solutions for Farmers – Tips for Effective Use

Some useful but potentially harmful chemicals are used for agricultural purposes. They are safe as long as the right amount is engaged and there is minimal physical contact. Pesticides are a prime example of such chemicals.

Inappropriate handling and use of the wrong amount can contaminate water, soil, turf, and vegetation at large. Additionally, the health of farmers or anyone who handles them can be adversely impacted. For more information on the adverse effects of inappropriate handling and wrong use of pesticides, you can visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

This is why farmers need to make the most of top-quality mixing solutions. More about this will be discussed here in this article. So, read on to find out more.

Tips for Properly Mixing Agricultural Products

There are so many agricultural inputs that need to be properly mixed. Some of them include fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, liquid concentrates, microbial products, compost teas, foliar sprays, and many more. Given the importance of ensuring proper mixture in agricultural settings, here are some helpful tips:

Follow Product Instruction

Do not mix any agricultural product based on assumption. This is especially true when using a different product than you are used to using. For example, various fertilizer products may require different mixing ratios. This is because of the possible variance in their ingredient composition.

Speaking of following the product’s instructions, pay particular attention to the required ratio and application rate. You should also pay attention to compatibility issues if there are any.

Safety Precautions

The aim of properly mixing most agricultural inputs is to achieve the needed consistency for maximum results. But in addition to that, it is to protect you from the harmful effects of some of these products.

For this reason, safety precautions should not be taken lightly. For starters, manufacturers have instructions on safety precautions. There could also be instructions about what should be done when accidents occur.

You need to familiarize yourself with these things and make informed decisions in light of them. But by and large, some general safety tips include the use of protective clothing such as goggles, gloves, and respirators.

Use the Right Equipment & Tools

There are suitable mixing tools and equipment for various agricultural inputs. You need to use the right ones to achieve the desired consistency and enjoy other benefits.

Several things determine what qualifies as the right tool or equipment. One such is the scale of operation. For example, an IBC Tote Mixer for Farming Solutions is a great mixing tool. This is because this equipment:

• Is time-saving
• Can be used for the mixture of various agricultural inputs
• Is easy to use
• Increases the chances of achieving the desired consistency

By and large, it is a worthy investment. However, it is best suited for large-scale operations. In essence, it may not come in handy for small-scale operations.

This is just an example of how large-scale versus small-scale operations can spell the difference between the right and wrong mixing solution. Another would be the specific agricultural input to be mixed. All these point to the fact that the right tools and equipment have to be engaged.

Use the Right Mixing Sequence

Using the right mix ratio is not all there is to a proper mixture of agricultural inputs. One other important area of concern would be the mixing sequence. This means the order in which the inputs should be mixed and at what stage.

For example, an agricultural input may require a mixture of water, emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powder, and liquid formulations. The point being made here is that they would not all be mixed at the same time.

Based on instruction and intended use, you may have to start with the wettable powders right after adding the right amount of water. Just make sure you are very clear about the proper sequence before you get on mixing any agricultural input.

Timely Application

More often than not, the timing of the mixture before application determines how effective it would be. So, it is not just about the approximate mix ratio and sequence as discussed earlier. It is also about timely application.

For the most part, agricultural inputs are most effective if applied after they are freshly mixed. So, this is a reason why it is better to mix in batches. This is rather than mixing a whole lot and having to just use a portion.

Clean-Up

Every tool and equipment used for mixing agricultural inputs needs to be thoroughly cleaned afterward. This is to prevent the buildup of chemical residue. It is also to prevent cross-contamination, which can make the next mixed agricultural input less effective. You can check here for more information on properly cleaning these tools and equipment.

Conclusion

A proper mixture of agricultural inputs is crucial for several reasons. By and large, it ensures that farmers achieve the desired result and avoid the harmful effects of some of the products mixed. General tips on how to go about this have been discussed here and should be taken note of.