pH is a measure of the amount
of hydrogen ions in a solution. A pH of 7 (neutral) means that the
concentration of hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions is equally balanced.
When the pH of water used in
a spray solution is above 7, the solution craves hydrogen ions to achieve
balance. Adding low pH herbicides, fungicides, insecticides or plant growth
regulators into a high pH solution can cause the low pH chemistry to break down
in a reaction known as alkaline hydrolysis.
Reducing the spray solution
to a pH of 5 to 7 mitigates alkaline hydrolysis and maximizes the biological
potential of the plant protectants in the tank.
Precision Products That Reduce pH
Precision Laboratories
manufactures a line of spray adjuvants and surfactants that reduce the pH of
spray solutions. The data below
shows the resulting pH when the products are added at various rates (v/v) into
a spray solution with an initial pH of 7.7.
Volume/Volume
%
|
|||||
.000%
|
.063%
|
.125%
|
.187%
|
.250%
|
|
7.7
|
5.9
|
4.7
|
4.2
|
3.7
|
|
7.7
|
5.5
|
4.5
|
3.9
|
2.8
|
|
7.7
|
7.6
|
7.4
|
7.2
|
7.2
|
|
7.7
|
7.5
|
7.0
|
6.7
|
6.0
|
|
7.7
|
7.6
|
7.4
|
7.2
|
7.0
|
|
Product Selection
Spray tank adjuvants perform
many functions. They can increase
spray droplet spread, improve penetration through the plant cuticle, prevent
wash-off and keep spray droplets viable.
For assistance selecting the Precision spray tank adjuvant that meets
your needs, contact your ProGro Solutions sales representative.
Don Spier
Vice President - Turf Business Development for Precision Laboratories
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