What are Defoamers and Antifoam Agents and How are They Used?
Foam is simply described as air bubbles trapped in a liquid or solid. In most cases, foam is seen as something positive. For example, whenever you use soap to wash your hands, the formation of foam is pleasing. In fact, you assume that because of the foam, your hands will be clean after you finish […]
Chemical Weed Control
In the 1940s, chemical weed control emerged as the most efficient method to ensure that food production kept pace with population growth. In fact, it is believed that the development of chemical weed killers, or herbicides, helped revolutionize agriculture. A widely accepted notion is that in the absence of chemical weed control, mankind would need […]
Best Water Conditioners for Irrigation/Agricultural Use
It goes without say that water is vital for all life on earth. The percentage of water a plant needs depends on the species of plant, how much light the plant gets, and age of the plant. It ranges from 90 – 95%. Similarly, water is essential for sustaining the lives of animals. The percentage […]
Staying a Step ahead of the Soil Seedbank
Every year, farmers, gardeners, and land managers do battle with a bank like no other. The soil seed bank. In fact, this battle is waged constantly throughout the year to ensure that desirable plants prevail, and those plants (weeds) that are the primary combatants in this battle fail. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s […]
Adjuvants 101: Emulsifying Agents for Pesticide Use
Whenever pesticides are used, the desire is that the pest is controlled as efficiently as possible. This means that the constituents of the pesticide spray mixture must be formulated properly and are compatible within the mixture to do the job as desired. A good understanding of the chemicals in the pesticide spray mixture is […]
Pesticide Safety: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When you ride a bike, you put on a helmet to protect your head … that’s a no-brainer. Likewise, when you get into a car, it is almost automatic to reach for the seat belt and strap in … another no-brainer. The bike helmet and seatbelt are examples of personal protective equipment, or PPE. They […]
Use of Silicone Adjuvants in Agriculture
Pest management in agriculture is perhaps the most important task that crop producers worldwide must undertake every year. To accomplish this task, crop producers must make important decisions that focus on eliminating the pest without causing harm to the crop, humans, non-targeted species, and the environment. To control pests, therefore, it is most ideal for […]
Pesticide Safety: 10 Things that Must be on a Pesticide Label
Almost every manufactured product today comes with a set of instructions. The instructions are written to provide the buyer with a little knowledge to ensure successful use of the product. Where necessary, the instructions provide instructions that when followed provide adequate protection for the user. When it comes to using a pesticide, the most important […]
How Surfactants Affect Spray Droplet Size
The general goal in spraying for pest control is to get good coverage of the target pest. Thereafter, retention and spread of the pesticide on pest surface, penetration of pest surface, and a high level of pest control. Ideally, good coverage of the target pest is required for good control when using pesticides. However, good […]
Adjuvants 101: Understanding What is in Your Sprayer Tank
Understanding what is in your sprayer tank before you begin spraying is the most important aspect in management of a pest. Preparation of the pesticide spray solution happens in the sprayer tank where the right amount of pesticide is measured and placed into the tank and thereafter the tank is filled with water. Starting with […]
