Calculate Your Tank Mix Rates First
Tank mix disasters cost $1,500-$3,000 per incident. Calculate exact amounts before mixing to prevent waste and ensure accurate application.
Table of Contents
Introduction
It was 6:00 AM on a Wednesday morning when Jake realized his 1,000-gallon spray tank had turned into a foam volcano. He'd mixed glyphosate, 2,4-D, and AMS in what seemed like the right order, but now white foam was cascading over the tank edges while his crew stood watching $800 worth of product go to waste. Worse yet, he had 240 acres of pre-plant burndown waiting in central Illinois, and his day was already shot. The culprit? Wrong mixing order and hard water he didn't account for—a mistake that would cost him $1,200 in wasted chemicals plus another $600 in lost application time.
If you've been spraying long enough, you've either experienced a tank mix disaster yourself or heard horror stories from other applicators. Tank mixing pesticides saves time, fuel, and money—but only when done correctly. Research shows that nearly 97% of farmers now use tank mixtures in their spray programs, making proper mixing technique more critical than ever.
Why Proper Tank Mixing Order Matters
The order you add pesticides to your spray tank isn't arbitrary—it's based on chemistry and solubility. Add products in the wrong sequence and you risk multiple failure modes:
Physical Incompatibility
Clumping, precipitation, or gel formation that clogs screens and nozzles.
Chemical Antagonism
One product binding or neutralizing another, reducing effectiveness.
Stratification
Products settling and separating, creating uneven distribution.
Excessive Foaming
Foam that prevents proper filling and wastes valuable product.
Real-World Impact
Midwest applicators report tank mix failures typically cost $500-2,500 per incident when factoring in wasted product, downtime, tank cleaning, and rescheduling. In peak season, a single mixing error can put you a full day behind schedule.
The W-A-L-E-S Method: Industry Standard
The W-A-L-E-S Method
Memorize this sequence—it prevents 95% of tank mix problems:
Also known as DALES (D for Dry instead of W for Wettable powders)
W
Wettable Powders & Water Dispersible Granules (WP, WDG, WG)
Start with products that need to disperse in water. These dry formulations require the most agitation energy to get into suspension.
Why first: Adding them first, when water turbulence is strongest and before the water contains other products, prevents clumping. If you add an emulsifiable concentrate first, it can coat the powder particles and prevent them from wetting properly—creating a putty-like mess that won't disperse.
A
Agitate
Never skip agitation between products. Allow 2-3 minutes of full agitation after each component, with 3-5 minutes recommended for wettable powders and water dispersible granules.
Why it matters: Insufficient agitation is responsible for many "incompatibility" problems that are actually mixing errors. Your agitation system should create visible turbulence at the water surface even when the tank is 3/4 full.
L
Liquids & Flowables (SC, Suspension Concentrates)
Suspension concentrates and flowable liquids go in next. These are already suspended particles in a carrier, so they mix more easily than dry powders but still need good agitation.
Why second: These formulations contain suspending agents and stabilizers that help them mix, but they can still settle over time. Adding them after powders but before oils ensures proper dispersion without interference from emulsifiers.
E
Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)
Emulsifiable concentrates contain oil-based active ingredients and emulsifiers. Add these after suspensions because they can interfere with the wetting of powders if added first.
Why third: ECs contain petroleum-based solvents and emulsifying agents that turn milky when added to water. These emulsifiers can coat powder particles and prevent proper wetting if the EC goes in too early.
S
Surfactants & Solubles (Soluble Liquids, Adjuvants)
Surfactants, drift control agents, water conditioners like ammonium sulfate (AMS), and soluble products always go in last. Glyphosate formulations like Roundup PowerMax, which are soluble liquids, can go in this step.
Why last: Many surfactants foam heavily, so adding them early makes mixing difficult and can cause product overflow. Solubles dissolve completely and don't require early addition for dispersion.
Why This Order Works
You're essentially moving from hardest-to-mix to easiest-to-mix, giving each product type the appropriate mixing environment it needs. It's a sequence based on physical chemistry, not convenience.
Step-by-Step Tank Mixing Procedure
Before You Start Mixing
- Read all product labels and check for tank mix restrictions or required order
- Test water quality if using a new water source (pH, hardness)
- Calculate exact amounts needed using our calculators above
- Perform a jar test if mixing these products for the first time
- Check agitation system to ensure it's working properly
- Clean spray tank of any previous chemical residues
The Mixing Process
Fill Tank Half to Three-Quarters Full with Clean Water
Start with at least 50% capacity to ensure proper mixing energy. Never try to mix into an empty or nearly empty tank—there won't be enough turbulence for proper dispersion.
Start Agitation System and Check for Proper Turbulence
Verify that agitation creates visible movement at the water surface. Weak agitation is a primary cause of compatibility problems. Some sprayers have adjustable agitation rates—use full agitation during mixing.
Add Water Conditioning Agent (If Needed)
If using hard water (>200 ppm calcium/magnesium) with glyphosate or other hard water-sensitive herbicides, add water conditioning agent (AMS, citric acid, or proprietary conditioner) FIRST before any pesticides. This is the critical exception to W-A-L-E-S order.
Typical rate: AMS at 17 lbs per 100 gallons (2.0% solution, 8.5 lbs/acre at 50 GPA)
Add Wettable Powders/WDGs (W)
Add dry products slowly near the agitation return or into the mixing cone if your sprayer has one. Add in small batches if adding large amounts to prevent clumping.
Agitate 3-5 Minutes (A)
Allow full agitation time for powders to completely disperse. Watch for any clumping or settling. If you see undispersed material, continue agitation before proceeding.
Add Liquids/Flowables (L)
Add suspension concentrates (SC) and flowable formulations. These mix more easily than powders but still require good agitation.
Agitate 2-3 Minutes (A)
Continue agitation between each product type. This step prevents layering and ensures even distribution.
Add Emulsifiable Concentrates (E)
Add EC formulations. The spray mixture will typically turn cloudy or milky as the emulsion forms. This is normal.
Agitate 2-3 Minutes (A)
Allow the emulsion to form fully before adding surfactants.
Add Surfactants/Solubles Last (S)
Add surfactants, crop oil, NIS, glyphosate, and 2,4-D amine last. Fill tank to final volume while continuing agitation. Start spraying as soon as practical to prevent settling.
The Test-First Approach
Professional applicators always perform a jar test when mixing unfamiliar combinations, especially with high-value specialty crops or expensive products. A 5-minute jar test can prevent a $2,000 tank disaster.
The Jar Test: Your Insurance Policy
When to always jar test: New tank mix combinations • Products from different manufacturers • When label cautions about tank mixing • Hard water situations • High-value crops • Expensive product combinations
Step-by-Step Jar Test Procedure
Materials Needed
- • Clear glass quart jar with lid
- • Source water (same as spray tank)
- • Products to be mixed
- • Small measuring spoons/syringes
- • Timer or watch
Jar Test Scale
Use 1% of spray volume for testing:
- • 1 quart jar = 100 gallon spray volume
- • Example: 32 oz herbicide per 100 gal → 0.32 oz per quart jar
- • 1 teaspoon ≈ 0.17 oz (5 mL)
- • 1 tablespoon ≈ 0.5 oz (15 mL)
Fill Jar Half Full with Spray Water
Use the actual water source you'll use in the spray tank, as water quality affects compatibility. Fill to the 16 oz mark (half of a quart jar).
Add Water Conditioner If Needed
If using AMS or other conditioner, add it first. For 17 lbs/100 gal rate, add approximately 2.7 grams (½ teaspoon) to the quart jar.
Add Products in W-A-L-E-S Order
Add each product in the correct sequence, using 1% of the field rate. For example, if your field rate is 32 fl oz per 100 gallons, add 0.32 fl oz (about 2 teaspoons) to the jar. Cap and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds after each product.
Fill Jar to Full Volume and Mix Again
After all products are added, fill the jar to 32 oz (1 quart), cap tightly, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Let Stand for 15-30 Minutes
Set the jar aside and observe. For field conditions, let it sit for at least 15 minutes. For overnight holding or questionable mixes, observe for 30-60 minutes.
Shake Again and Observe
After the waiting period, shake the jar again for 10 seconds and immediately observe the mixture.
Compare to a Water-Only Control
For questionable results, compare to a jar of plain water from the same source. This helps identify water quality issues versus product interactions.
What to Look For
Compatible Mix (Safe to Use)
- Uniform mixture with consistent color
- No layer separation after standing
- Easily re-suspends when shaken
- No clumps, flakes, or "cottage cheese" appearance
- No oil layer on surface
- Milky or cloudy appearance is normal for EC products
Incompatible Mix (DO NOT USE)
- Flocculation: Clumps or curdled "cottage cheese" appearance
- Precipitation: Crystals or solid material at bottom that won't re-suspend
- Layer separation: Clear separation with products refusing to remix
- Gel formation: Thick, gel-like consistency
- Oil layer: Persistent oily film on surface after shaking
- Color change: Unexpected color change may indicate chemical reaction
When Jar Tests Are Most Critical
- • First time mixing specific products together
- • Hard water (>200 ppm) with glyphosate or other sensitive herbicides
- • Mixing liquid fertilizers with pesticides
- • Using generic or off-brand products (different carriers/formulations)
- • Tank mixes with 3+ products
- • Water pH outside 5.0-7.0 range
- • High-value specialty crops where risk is greatest
Understanding Product Formulation Types
Knowing your formulation types helps you apply the W-A-L-E-S method correctly. The formulation code is found on the product label, usually right after the product name.
WP Wettable Powder
Description: Fine dry powder that must be mixed with water to form a suspension.
Mixing order: First (W in W-A-L-E-S)
Examples: Mancozeb 75 DF, many older fungicides
WDG / WG / DF Water Dispersible Granule
Description: Granular form that disperses in water like a wettable powder but with less dust.
Mixing order: First (W in W-A-L-E-S)
Examples: Atrazine 90 WDG, Princep Caliber 90
SC / F Suspension Concentrate / Flowable
Description: Liquid formulation with finely ground solid particles suspended in water.
Mixing order: Second (L in W-A-L-E-S)
Examples: Dual II Magnum, Warrant, Prowl H2O
EC / E Emulsifiable Concentrate
Description: Oil-based concentrate that forms a milky emulsion when mixed with water.
Mixing order: Third (E in W-A-L-E-S)
Examples: Warrior II, Brigade, many pyrethroid insecticides
SL Soluble Liquid
Description: Water-soluble concentrate that dissolves completely (no suspension needed).
Mixing order: Last (S in W-A-L-E-S)
Examples: Roundup PowerMax (glyphosate), 2,4-D amine
CS / ME Capsule Suspension / Microencapsulated
Description: Active ingredient enclosed in microscopic capsules suspended in water.
Mixing order: Treat as Liquids/Flowables (L)
Examples: Capture LFR, Karate with Zeon Technology
Reading Formulation Codes on Labels
Look for the formulation code on the front label panel, usually after the product name:
- • "Product Name 4L" = 4 lb active ingredient per gallon, Liquid formulation
- • "Product Name 75 DF" = 75% active ingredient, Dry Flowable (WDG)
- • "Product Name 3.3 EC" = 3.3 lb a.i. per gallon, Emulsifiable Concentrate
Common Compatibility Problems and How to Avoid Them
1. Hard Water Problems
The Problem: Calcium and magnesium in hard water bind to certain herbicides (especially glyphosate, 2,4-D, and dicamba), reducing effectiveness by 20-50% or more. Water hardness above 200 ppm total hardness is considered problematic.
Signs of Hard Water:
- • White mineral deposits on equipment, buildings, or vehicles
- • Soap doesn't lather well
- • Scale buildup in tanks, lines, and nozzles
- • Well water or surface water (ponds, ditches) is especially suspect
Solution: Add water conditioning agent BEFORE pesticides:
- • Ammonium Sulfate (AMS): 17 lbs per 100 gallons (8.5-10 lbs/acre at typical carrier volumes)
- • Citric acid buffers: Follow label rates (typically 4-8 oz per 100 gallons)
- • Commercial water conditioners: Check label rates specific to your water hardness
2. pH-Related Problems
The Problem: Some herbicides (especially sulfonylureas and imidazolinones) degrade rapidly in alkaline water (pH > 8.0). Alkaline hydrolysis can reduce herbicide half-life from days to hours.
Products Most Affected:
- • Sulfonylureas: Glean, Ally, Permit, Classic
- • Imidazolinones: Pursuit, Raptor, Beyond
- • Some organophosphate insecticides
Solution: Test and adjust water pH
- • Target pH 5.5-6.5 for most herbicides
- • Use citric acid, acidifying agents, or pH buffers
- • Add pH buffer FIRST, before any pesticides
- • Spray tank mixes with pH-sensitive products within 2-4 hours of mixing
3. Temperature Extremes
The Problem: Cold water (<50°F) slows dissolution and dispersion. Hot water (>100°F) can cause some products to degrade or volatilize.
Cold Weather Mixing:
- • Increase agitation time by 50-100%
- • Pre-slurry powders in warm water before adding to tank
- • Allow extra time for products to fully disperse
- • Warm water slightly if possible (don't exceed 100°F)
4. Chemical Antagonism
The Problem: One product reduces the effectiveness of another through chemical interaction, even though they mix physically.
Common Antagonistic Combinations:
- • Grass herbicides + broadleaf herbicides: Clethodim or sethoxydim + 2,4-D or bentazon
- • Organophosphate insecticides + malathion: Can reduce effectiveness of both
- • Liquid fertilizers + pesticides: High salt content can cause issues
Solution: Always check product labels for tank mix restrictions. When antagonism is noted, apply products separately or use recommended spray intervals (often 7-14 days apart).
5. Excessive Foaming
The Problem: Foam prevents proper tank filling, makes it difficult to measure spray volume, and can cause product overflow. Some products are naturally foamy; adding surfactants early makes it worse.
Prevention & Solutions:
- • Always add surfactants LAST (S in W-A-L-E-S)
- • Use silicone-based defoamers at label rates
- • Reduce agitation speed during final filling
- • Fill tank more slowly to reduce splashing
- • Some generic surfactants foam more than name brands
Tank Mix Compatibility Reference Chart
| Product Type | Compatible With | Caution With | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate | 2,4-D, dicamba, AMS | Hard water, pH >7.5 | High rates of AMS (>20 lbs/100 gal) |
| Grass Herbicides (Clethodim, Sethoxydim) | Most insecticides, fungicides | Liquid fertilizers | Broadleaf herbicides (2,4-D, bentazon) |
| Liquid Fertilizers (UAN) | Glyphosate, atrazine | Many products - jar test required | High pH conditions |
| Pyrethroid Insecticides | Most herbicides, fungicides | Organophosphates, pH >8 | Strong alkaline conditions |
| Sulfonylurea Herbicides | Most products at pH 5.5-6.5 | pH >7, hard water | pH >8, prolonged holding in tank |
Note: This chart provides general guidance. Always read product labels and perform jar tests with unfamiliar combinations.
Water Quality Considerations
Water quality can make or break your tank mix. Here's what to test for and how to address common problems:
Hard Water (Hardness)
Test for: Total hardness (calcium + magnesium)
Problem level: >200 ppm
Fix: Add AMS or water conditioner BEFORE pesticides
pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)
Test for: pH level
Problem level: pH >8.0 or <5.0
Fix: Add pH buffer to achieve pH 5.5-6.5
Suspended Solids
Test for: Sediment, algae, organic matter
Problem level: Visible cloudiness
Fix: Filter water or use cleaner source
Water Quality Testing
Have your water source tested if you suspect problems. County extension offices and private labs can test for hardness, pH, and contaminants. Test kits for hardness and pH are available at farm supply stores for $15-40.
When to test: New water sources • After tank mix failures • Beginning of spray season • If you notice white mineral deposits on equipment
Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1 The $1,200 Foam Volcano (Jake's Story from the Introduction)
What Went Wrong
- • Mixed glyphosate, 2,4-D amine, and AMS
- • Added AMS LAST instead of first
- • Used hard water (350 ppm hardness)
- • Excessive foaming from 2,4-D amine interacting with glyphosate in hard water
- • Total loss: 1,000 gallons of spray mix
The Fix
- • Tank cleaned and flushed
- • New mix: AMS added FIRST to condition hard water
- • Glyphosate added next (now protected by conditioned water)
- • 2,4-D amine added LAST
- • Mix remained stable with minimal foaming
Lesson Learned: When using glyphosate with hard water, water conditioning must happen BEFORE adding glyphosate—not after. This exception to W-A-L-E-S order saves countless tank mixes.
Case Study 2 The Clogged Nozzle Crisis: EC Added Too Early
Scenario: Custom applicator in Iowa needed to apply atrazine 90 WDG + Dual II Magnum (SC) + Warrior II (EC) + crop oil on 800 acres of pre-emergence corn.
What Went Wrong
- • Added Warrior II (EC) BEFORE atrazine WDG
- • EC's emulsifiers coated powder particles
- • Powder clumped instead of dispersing
- • Screen filters plugged within 20 acres
- • 4-hour delay cleaning filters and strainers
The Fix
- • Used proper W-A-L-E-S order:
- • (W) Atrazine 90 WDG first, agitate 5 min
- • (L) Dual II Magnum second, agitate 2 min
- • (E) Warrior II third, agitate 2 min
- • (S) Crop oil last
- • No further filter plugging issues
Cost Impact: Lost time = $450 in downtime. Lesson: EC formulations contain emulsifiers that prevent proper wetting of powders if added too early.
Case Study 3 Grass Herbicide + 2,4-D = Reduced Control (Chemical Antagonism)
Scenario: Soybean grower in Nebraska tank-mixed Select Max (grass herbicide) with 2,4-D (broadleaf herbicide) for post-emergence weed control.
What Went Wrong
- • Tank mixed Select Max + 2,4-D despite label warning
- • Products physically mixed fine (no visible problems)
- • 10-14 days later: poor grass control
- • Volunteer corn and shattercane escapes
- • Chemical antagonism reduced Select Max effectiveness
The Fix
- • Applied grass herbicide alone
- • Waited 7 days
- • Applied broadleaf herbicide in separate pass
- • Full control of both grass and broadleaf weeds
- • Extra pass cost less than herbicide failure
Critical Lesson: Chemical antagonism doesn't show up in jar tests! You need to READ THE LABEL. Many grass herbicides (clethodim, sethoxydim) are antagonized by broadleaf herbicides even though they physically mix fine.
Troubleshooting Common Tank Mix Problems
Problem: Tank Mix Separates or Settles Quickly
Likely Causes:
- • Insufficient agitation during mixing
- • Products added in wrong order
- • Incompatible products
- • Cold water (slows dispersion)
Solutions:
- • Increase agitation time between products
- • Verify W-A-L-E-S order
- • Perform jar test before mixing full tank
- • Use warmer water if available
- • Start spraying immediately after mixing
Problem: Excessive Foaming
Likely Causes:
- • Surfactant added too early
- • Hard water with glyphosate
- • Foamy products (some 2,4-D formulations)
- • High agitation + water splashing
Solutions:
- • Add surfactants LAST
- • Add AMS before glyphosate in hard water
- • Use silicone-based defoamer (follow label)
- • Reduce agitation during final fill
- • Fill tank more slowly
Problem: Gel Formation or "Cottage Cheese" Appearance
Likely Causes:
- • Incompatible product combination
- • Wrong mixing order
- • Hard water with certain products
- • High pH water
Solutions:
- • DO NOT SPRAY – clean tank immediately
- • Perform jar test with correct order
- • Check labels for tank mix restrictions
- • Condition hard water before mixing
- • Consider applying products separately
Problem: Nozzles Clogging Repeatedly
Likely Causes:
- • Undispersed powder particles
- • EC added before powders
- • Gel or precipitate formation
- • Dirty water source (sediment, algae)
Solutions:
- • Agitate powders longer (5+ minutes)
- • Follow strict W-A-L-E-S order
- • Check for compatibility issues
- • Filter water source
- • Clean all screens and filters
Problem: Poor Weed Control Despite Good Coverage
Likely Causes:
- • Chemical antagonism (products interfering)
- • Hard water binding active ingredient
- • High pH degrading herbicide
- • Spray mix held too long before application
Solutions:
- • Check labels for antagonism warnings
- • Use water conditioner with hard water
- • Buffer pH to 5.5-6.5 range
- • Spray within 2-4 hours of mixing
- • Apply antagonistic products separately
Problem: Oil Layer Floating on Top
Likely Causes:
- • EC emulsion breaking down
- • Hard water + EC formulation
- • Excessive crop oil added
- • Incompatible combination
Solutions:
- • Condition hard water before mixing
- • Verify crop oil rate (don't over-add)
- • Increase agitation
- • Jar test to check compatibility
- • May need to apply products separately
Calculate Your Mix Rates Accurately
Before you start mixing, use our calculators to determine exact product rates and ensure proper application:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I premix products in a bucket before adding to the tank?
Generally not recommended. Most compatibility issues occur when products are too concentrated. Premixing in a bucket creates a highly concentrated solution that's more likely to cause incompatibility problems.
Exception: Wettable powders can be pre-slurred in a small amount of water to help dispersion, then immediately added to the tank with full agitation.
How long can I leave a tank mix in the sprayer before applying?
General rule: Spray within 24 hours of mixing, preferably same-day.
- • pH-sensitive products (sulfonylureas, imidazolinones): Spray within 2-4 hours
- • Most tank mixes: Spray same day, keep agitated
- • Overnight holds: May work for some products, but jar test and check label
- • Never hold tank mixes with liquid fertilizers more than a few hours
Does it matter if I use generic products vs. name brand in tank mixes?
Yes, it can matter. While generic products contain the same active ingredient, they may use different carriers, solvents, and formulation aids that affect tank mix compatibility.
Best practice: Always jar test when switching from name brand to generic or mixing generics from different manufacturers. The active ingredient may be identical, but the "inert" ingredients differ.
Can I add liquid fertilizer (UAN) to my herbicide tank mix?
Sometimes, but with caution. Liquid fertilizers (28-0-0 or 32-0-0 UAN) are commonly tank-mixed with herbicides, especially glyphosate and atrazine.
Critical requirements:
- • ALWAYS jar test first – fertilizer salt content can cause compatibility issues
- • Read herbicide label – some prohibit liquid fertilizer carrier
- • Use fertilizer rates recommended on herbicide label (often 50-75% of tank volume maximum)
- • Spray same day – never hold fertilizer + pesticide mixes overnight
- • Hard water is less critical (UAN provides some conditioning effect)
In W-A-L-E-S order: Treat UAN as a soluble liquid (S), adding it last or near-last.
Why does my tank mix look different from last time with the same products?
Several factors can cause appearance variation even with identical products:
- • Water source change: Different hardness, pH, or suspended solids
- • Temperature: Cold water mixes differently than warm water
- • Product batch variation: Slight formulation differences between lots
- • Mixing order: Even small order changes can affect appearance
- • Agitation differences: More or less agitation time than previous mix
If the mix looks concerning, perform a jar test and compare to a sample from the last successful application.
Can I use hot water to speed up mixing?
Warm water (up to 100°F) is fine and can help, but avoid hot water.
- • Warm water (60-90°F): Helps powders disperse faster, speeds mixing
- • Hot water (>100°F): Can degrade some products or cause excessive volatilization
- • Cold water (<50°F): Slows dispersion—increase agitation time
Best practice: Use water at ambient temperature (50-80°F) and allow proper agitation time rather than relying on heat to speed mixing.
What should I do if I realize I added products in the wrong order?
It depends on when you catch it:
If caught immediately (before adding other products):
- • If only one or two products added, you may be able to continue
- • Agitate thoroughly before proceeding
- • Perform a jar test to verify compatibility
If entire mix is complete:
- • Look for signs of incompatibility (clumping, separation, gel formation)
- • Take a sample and observe in a clear jar for 30 minutes
- • If mix looks good and re-suspends easily, it may be usable
- • When in doubt, don't spray it—dispose of properly and remix
Remember: Labor and time to remix is cheaper than crop damage, plugged nozzles, or wasted product.
Do I need to jar test every time, or just once for a combination?
Jar test once for each unique combination, then again if conditions change:
Test once when:
- • First time using a specific product combination
- • Same products, same water source, same application timing
Retest if:
- • Water source changes (different well, pond, municipal supply)
- • Switching between name brand and generic products
- • Adding a new product to an existing mix
- • Changing rates significantly
- • Previous tank mix showed any compatibility concerns
- • Beginning of new spray season (water quality may have changed)
Can I tank mix insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides all together?
Physically possible? Often yes. Recommended? Usually no.
While 3-way and 4-way mixes are sometimes done, they significantly increase risk:
- • Higher chance of incompatibility
- • Difficult to troubleshoot if problems occur
- • May compromise effectiveness of one or more products
- • Label restrictions become more complex
Best practice:
- • Limit tank mixes to 2-3 compatible products
- • Always jar test complex mixes
- • Read ALL labels for tank mix restrictions
- • Consider separate applications if any doubt exists
Why do some labels say to add products in a different order than W-A-L-E-S?
ALWAYS follow label instructions when they specify an order.
The W-A-L-E-S method is a general guideline that works for most situations, but some products have specific mixing requirements based on their unique chemistry. Manufacturers test their products extensively and may require specific sequences to:
- • Prevent incompatibility with specific tank mix partners
- • Ensure maximum product stability
- • Meet EPA labeling requirements
Label requirements always override general mixing guidelines. When labels conflict, contact the manufacturer for clarification.