CORE Ch10 Cheat Sheet: Planning the Pesticide Application

🎯 Top 5 Traps

1

TANK MIXING ORDER (6 steps): (1) carrier first (water or liquid fertilizer; fill 1/5 to 1/2 full + start agitation); (2) compatibility agent if needed; (3) suspension products — DRY first (WP, DF, WDG as PRESLURRY) then liquids (F, L, ME); (4) solution products (S, SP); (5) surfactants/adjuvants if needed; (6) emulsion products (EC) LAST. Make a PRESLURRY for dry formulations (paste with little water before adding to tank). Keep mixture AGITATED during entire application until tank is empty. JAR TEST: same order in small glass/plastic container, allow to STAND 10 to 15 MINUTES — failure signs are flakes, sludge, gel, precipitates, layers, or HEAT given off. Tank mix with multiple signal words: treat WHOLE MIXTURE as the MOST RESTRICTIVE signal word (DANGER overrides WARNING + CAUTION).

2

PHYSICAL vs CHEMICAL incompatibility — different signs. PHYSICAL: products fail to stay uniformly mixed; visible as PUTTY/PASTE, LAYERS, or "COTTAGE CHEESE" precipitates; clogs screens/nozzles. Causes: improper mixing procedures, inadequate agitation, lack of stable emulsifiers in some ECs, mixing with liquid fertilizers, HARD WATER (pH GREATER than 7). CHEMICAL: a chemical reaction takes place producing new substances. Clues = HEAT, COLOR CHANGE, GAS formation, PRECIPITATE, surface SCUM/FOAM, GEL/"SLUDGE". Two chemical types: (1) reduced activity in one or more components; (2) INCREASED activity that may damage target plants. Compatibility agents may improve mixing.

3

TRIPLE RINSE for small containers (5 gallons or less): (1) empty contents into application equipment/mix tank, drain 10 SECONDS after flow begins to drip; (2) fill container 1/4 FULL with water + recap; (3) SHAKE for 10 SECONDS; (4) pour rinsate into application equipment/mix tank or store; (5) drain 10 seconds; (6) REPEAT 2 MORE TIMES (3 rinses total). CONTAINERS LARGER than 5 gallons or 50 pounds: fill 1/4 full + replace closures, tip on side and ROLL back-and-forth at least ONE COMPLETE REVOLUTION for 30 SECONDS, stand on each end and tip back-and-forth several times, repeat 2 more times. PRESSURE RINSE: insert pressure-rinsing nozzle in side, rinse at about 40 PSI for AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. NEVER REUSE pesticide containers. REFILLABLE containers: return to dealer/manufacturer; never tamper. NONREFILLABLE: follow label for recycling, reconditioning, or disposal. Rinse IMMEDIATELY after emptying — residue dries hard.

4

MIXING/LOADING PPE + measuring rules — concentrate handlers face highest exposure. Wear: BIB-TOP APRON (butyl, nitrile, or foil-laminate; built-in gloves/sleeves style most protective); FACE SHIELD (splashes/dusts); RESPIRATOR (NIOSH code on label); EYE PROTECTION (safety glasses, goggles, or face shield). Open paper/cardboard containers with SHARP KNIFE or SCISSORS — do NOT TEAR. MEASURING: liquids + some granulars by VOLUME; dusts, powders, most dry formulations by WEIGHT (English units: fl oz/pints/quarts/gallons; pounds/ounces). Use GLASS or PLASTIC measuring utensils — AVOID METAL (some pesticides react with metal, especially aluminum and iron). Keep container + pesticide BELOW FACE LEVEL when pouring. Stand so pesticide cannot blow back. Mark utensils clearly (brightly colored waterproof paint or warning labels). NEVER LEAVE the spray tank UNATTENDED while it is being filled.

5

RINSATE HANDLING + cleanup ratios. Never let rinsate flow into water systems (sinks, floor drains, storm sewers, wells, streams, lakes, rivers). Apply rinsates to LABELED sites at OR BELOW label rates. Rinsate may be used as DILUENT for future mixtures provided 3 conditions are met: (1) pesticide in rinsate is LABELED for the target site; (2) total pesticide (rinsate + new mixture) DOES NOT EXCEED label rate; (3) used to dilute SAME or COMPATIBLE pesticide. Rinsate MAY NOT be used if it: contains STRONG CLEANING AGENTS (BLEACH or AMMONIA); would alter the mixture making it unusable (incompatibility). Equipment cleanup solution: 8 to 16 OUNCES detergent in 30 to 40 GALLONS water — circulate several minutes, then flush twice with clean water. Sprayer STORAGE: add 1 to 5 GALLONS LIGHTWEIGHT OIL before final flushing (depends on tank size); rotate pump 4-5 revolutions by hand. SHOWER IMMEDIATELY after cleaning equipment — waiting until end of day allows additional skin absorption.

🔢 Numbers You Must Know

Number

What It Represents

6 tank mixing steps

(1) Carrier + agitation; (2) compatibility agent; (3) suspension products (dry first as preslurry, then liquids); (4) solution products; (5) surfactants/adjuvants; (6) emulsion products (EC) LAST.

1/5 to 1/2 full

Initial fill amount of carrier (water or liquid fertilizer) for tank mixing or jar test. Start agitation at this point.

10 to 15 minutes

Jar test wait time. Allow mixture to STAND after adding all components — failure signs include flakes, sludge, gel, precipitates, layers, or heat given off.

pH greater than 7

HARD water — common cause of physical incompatibility. Most pesticide solutions are stable at slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0).

5 gallons / 50 pounds

Container size threshold determining triple-rinse method. SMALL (5 gal or less): shake. LARGE (over 5 gal or 50 lbs): roll on side at least ONE COMPLETE REVOLUTION for 30 seconds + tip on each end.

1/4 full

Fill amount with water for triple rinsing — both small and large containers.

10 seconds

(1) Drain time after flow begins to drip during emptying or rinsing. (2) Shake time for triple rinse of small containers. Used at multiple steps in the rinse procedure.

30 seconds

(1) Roll/tip time for large containers (containers over 5 gal or 50 lbs). (2) Pressure rinse time at the rinse nozzle.

About 40 PSI

Pressure for pressure-rinsing pesticide containers. Insert pressure-rinsing nozzle in side of container, hold upside down over application equipment or mix tank.

3 rinses total

"Triple rinse" = the rinsing procedure repeated 3 times (initial rinse + 2 more times). For small containers: 1/4 fill, 10 sec shake, drain — repeat. For large: 1/4 fill, roll/tip, drain — repeat.

8 to 16 oz / 30 to 40 gal

Equipment cleanup detergent ratio: 8 to 16 ounces of heavy-duty detergent in 30 to 40 gallons of water. Circulate solution for several minutes through entire spray system, then flush twice with clean water.

1 to 5 gallons lightweight oil

Amount of lightweight oil to add before final flushing when storing sprayer (depending on tank size). Coats tank, pump, plumbing for corrosion protection. Rotate pump 4 or 5 revolutions by hand.

1 cup to 1 gallon

Recommended range of glass or plastic measuring utensils for accurately measuring liquid pesticides.

3 rinsate-as-diluent conditions

Rinsate may be used as diluent for future pesticide mixtures provided: (1) labeled for target site, (2) total pesticide does not exceed label rate, (3) used to dilute same or compatible pesticide. Cannot use if: contains bleach/ammonia OR causes incompatibility.

Ag Container Recycling Council

Pesticide container recycling resource: acrecycle.org or 877-952-2272

🔀 Easily Confused

Pair / Group

Distinguishing Feature

Physical vs Chemical incompatibility

Physical: failure to stay uniformly mixed; PUTTY/PASTE, LAYERS, "COTTAGE CHEESE" precipitates; clogs screens/nozzles. Causes: bad mixing, low agitation, no stable emulsifiers, liquid fertilizers, HARD WATER. Chemical: chemical REACTION; HEAT, COLOR CHANGE, GAS, surface SCUM/FOAM, GEL/SLUDGE. Two types: reduced activity OR increased activity (may damage plants).

Volume vs Weight measurement

LIQUIDS + some granulars = measured by VOLUME (fl oz, pints, quarts, gallons). DUSTS, powders, most dry formulations = measured by WEIGHT (pounds, ounces). Use the right tool for the job.

Glass/plastic vs Metal measuring utensils

Use GLASS or PLASTIC. AVOID METAL — some pesticides react with metal, especially ALUMINUM and IRON. Mark utensils clearly (waterproof paint or labels). Keep locked in pesticide storage area when not in use.

Tank mix signal word rule

Tank mix containing pesticides with different signal words: treat the ENTIRE MIXTURE according to the MOST RESTRICTIVE signal word. DANGER (or DANGER-POISON) takes precedence over WARNING and CAUTION. Use the safety equipment + restrictions of the most restrictive label.

Tank mix order: First vs Last

FIRST: carrier (water or liquid fertilizer) — start agitation. LAST: emulsion products (emulsifiable concentrates / EC). The full sequence: carrier → compatibility agent → suspensions (dry first as preslurry, then liquids) → solutions → surfactants/adjuvants → ECs.

Preslurry preparation

For dry formulations (WP, DF, WDG): mix the products with a LITTLE WATER to form a PASTE (preslurry) before adding to the tank mix. Ensures uniform distribution + prevents clumping.

Triple rinse vs Pressure rinse

Triple rinse: 3 separate rinses, fill 1/4 full each time, shake or roll, drain. Total time: longer process. Pressure rinse: single procedure with pressure-rinsing nozzle inserted in side at about 40 PSI for at least 30 seconds. Faster + uses less water. Both prepare containers for disposal/recycling.

Small vs Large container rinse method

SMALL (5 gallons or less): shake. Triple rinse with 10-second shakes. LARGE (over 5 gallons or 50 pounds): roll on side at least one complete revolution for 30 seconds, tip on each end. Bags/liners: shake + tap sides and bottom.

Refillable vs Nonrefillable containers

Refillable: label states return to dealer or manufacturer for refilling; never tamper. Nonrefillable: label specifies recycle, recondition, or dispose. NEVER REUSE pesticide containers under any circumstances.

Rinsate as diluent: 3 conditions

Rinsate may be used to dilute future mixtures ONLY IF: (1) the pesticide in rinsate is labeled for the target site; (2) total pesticide (rinsate + new mixture) does NOT exceed label rate; (3) used to dilute SAME or COMPATIBLE pesticide.

Rinsate forbidden cases

Rinsate may NOT be used if: (1) contains STRONG CLEANING AGENTS (BLEACH or AMMONIA) that might harm the plant/animal/surface; (2) would alter the pesticide mixture and make it unusable (e.g., physically or chemically incompatible).

Air gap vs Check valve / Backflow preventer

Two methods to prevent BACK-SIPHONING. Air gap: physical separation between water hose end and pesticide mixture surface. Check valve / anti-siphoning device / backflow preventer: mechanical — automatically closes if water pressure drops. Backflow preventer + check valve crucial for CHEMIGATION systems.

Hand-carried vs High-exposure PPE

Hand-carried/backpack: shin/knee-high rubber boots + spray-resistant or waterproof pants; back OUT of treated area when possible. High-exposure (mist blowers, air-blast, aerosol/fog generators, high-pressure sprayers, overhead applications): gloves + coveralls with HOOD + footwear with sealed cuffs + FULL-FACE respirator OR half-face with sealed goggles. Enclosed spaces: respirator + extra PPE.

Mix/load PPE specifics

Body: BIB-TOP APRON (butyl, nitrile, or foil-laminate) — built-in gloves/sleeves most protective. Face: face shield. Lungs: respirator (NIOSH code on label). Eyes: shielded safety glasses, goggles, or face shield.

Application timing — clearing the area

BEFORE applying: clear all PEOPLE + PETS; remove TOYS, PET DISHES; cover GARDEN FURNITURE, SWIMMING POOLS, BIRDBATHS. Even narrow applications (crack-and-crevice) require keeping people + animals out. If no specific REI on label, wait until SPRAY HAS DRIED or DUST HAS SETTLED.

Personal cleanup timing

SHOWER IMMEDIATELY after cleaning equipment — NOT at end of day. Waiting allows additional pesticide absorption through skin. Remove contaminated clothes; launder per Ch.6 procedures.

Sprayer storage prep

(1) Add 1 to 5 GALLONS LIGHTWEIGHT OIL before final flushing. (2) Remove nozzle tips + screens — store in light oil (diesel fuel or kerosene). (3) Rotate pump 4 to 5 REVOLUTIONS BY HAND. (4) Winterize: drain water OR replace with antifreeze (RV antifreeze). (5) Store in dry, clean building.

🧪 Tank Mixing + Compatibility Quick Reference

Step / Topic

Action

Key Specifics

Step 1 — Carrier

Fill tank 1/5 to 1/2 full with carrier (water or liquid fertilizer). Start agitation.

Same starting fill applies to jar (compatibility) test in small container. Agitation must be maintained throughout.

Step 2 — Compatibility agent

Add compatibility agent if needed.

Helps combine pesticides (or pesticides + fertilizers) effectively; reduces incompatibility.

Step 3 — Suspension products

Dry first: Wettable Powders (WP), Dry Flowables (DF), Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG) — as PRESLURRY if needed. Then liquids: Flowables (F), Liquids (L), Microencapsulated (ME).

Preslurry = mix dry products with a little water to form a PASTE before adding to tank.

Step 4 — Solution products

Solutions (S), Soluble Powders (SP).

True solutions don't require continued agitation but are added in this order to maintain mix integrity.

Step 5 — Surfactants/adjuvants

Add surfactants or other adjuvants if needed.

Type and order specified by labels. Wrong adjuvant can reduce efficacy or damage plants.

Step 6 — Emulsion products LAST

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) added last.

Adding ECs early causes mixing problems with other components. The "EC last" rule prevents physical incompatibility.

Jar (Compatibility) Test

Use small glass or plastic container. Mix proportionate amounts of all carrier + products in tank-mixing order. Shake after each addition. Allow to STAND 10 to 15 MINUTES.

Failure signs: flakes, sludge, gel, precipitates, layers, or HEAT given off — products cannot be safely tank-mixed. Compatibility agents may improve mixing.

Physical incompatibility

Failure of products to stay uniformly mixed in tank — putty/paste, layers, "cottage cheese" precipitates. Clogs screens and nozzles.

Causes: improper mixing, inadequate agitation, lack of stable emulsifiers in some ECs, liquid fertilizers, HARD WATER (pH greater than 7).

Chemical incompatibility

Chemical reaction produces new substances. Clues: HEAT, color change, gas formation, precipitate, surface scum/foam, gel/"sludge".

Two types: (1) reduced activity in one or more components; (2) INCREASED activity that may damage target plants by weakening selective nature of components.

Tank mix signal word rule

Tank mix containing pesticides with different signal words = treat the ENTIRE MIXTURE according to the MOST RESTRICTIVE signal word.

DANGER overrides WARNING + CAUTION. Use the safety equipment + restrictions of the most restrictive label. Illegal to mix when label expressly prohibits.

Agitation during application

Keep mixture agitated DURING ENTIRE APPLICATION until tank is empty.

Especially critical for suspensions (WP, F, DF, ME). Solutions don't separate but agitation maintains uniform application.

💧 Container Rinsing + Equipment Cleanup + Rinsate Quick Reference

Topic

Procedure

Key Specifics

Triple rinse — small container (5 gal or less)

(1) Empty contents — drain 10 sec after flow begins to drip. (2) Fill 1/4 FULL with water + recap. (3) SHAKE 10 SECONDS. (4) Pour rinsate into application equipment/mix tank or store. (5) Drain 10 sec. (6) REPEAT 2 more times.

3 rinses total. Rinse IMMEDIATELY after emptying — residue dries hard. If possible, add rinsate to next application.

Triple rinse — large container (over 5 gal or 50 lbs)

Empty contents. Fill 1/4 full with water. Replace + tighten closures. Tip on side. ROLL back-and-forth at least ONE COMPLETE REVOLUTION for 30 SECONDS. Stand on end + tip back-and-forth several times. Turn over to other end + tip several times.

Empty rinsate; repeat 2 more times. Same 1/4 fill ratio as small containers.

Bags or liners

Completely empty by SHAKING and TAPPING sides and bottom to loosen clinging particles.

Empty residue into application equipment or mix tank, or store for later use/disposal.

Pressure rinse

Empty contents — drain 10 sec. Hold container UPSIDE DOWN over application equipment or mix tank. Insert PRESSURE-RINSING NOZZLE in side. Rinse at about 40 PSI for AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. Drain 10 sec.

Faster than triple rinse and uses less water. Some labels may require triple rinsing instead.

Refillable vs Nonrefillable

Refillable: return to dealer/manufacturer; never tamper. Nonrefillable: label specifies recycle, recondition, or dispose.

NEVER REUSE pesticide containers. Recycling: Ag Container Recycling Council (acrecycle.org or 877-952-2272).

Equipment cleanup PPE

Wear same PPE that the labeling requires for application + chemical-resistant apron. Consider eye protection even if not required.

Equipment cleaning presents as much risk of pesticide exposure as application. Train all who clean.

Cleanup detergent solution

8 to 16 OUNCES of heavy-duty detergent in 30 to 40 GALLONS of water. Circulate through system for several minutes.

Then remove nozzles + screens, flush sprayer system TWICE with clean water. Some labels require triple rinsing.

Spray system parts to clean

Entire system, not just tank: eductor (inductor); plumbing (valves, hoses); filters + screens; boom segments; nozzle bodies; nozzles + screens.

Make sure all visible deposits are removed. Petroleum-based products may need special cleaning agents or high water pressure.

Rinsate flow restriction

NEVER let rinsate flow into water systems: sinks, floor drains, storm sewers, wells, streams, lakes, rivers.

Rinse equipment at application site if possible. Apply rinsates to LABELED sites at OR BELOW label rates.

Rinsate as diluent — 3 conditions

Equipment rinsate may be used as diluent for future mixtures provided: (1) labeled for target site; (2) total pesticide does NOT exceed label rate; (3) used to dilute SAME or COMPATIBLE pesticide.

If conditions not met, dispose of rinsate as you would waste pesticides.

Rinsate forbidden cases

Cannot use rinsate if: (1) contains STRONG CLEANING AGENTS (BLEACH or AMMONIA) that might harm the plant/animal/surface; (2) would alter the pesticide mixture making it unusable (incompatibility).

Strong cleaning agents in rinsate must be disposed of separately.

Sprayer storage prep

(1) Add 1 to 5 GALLONS LIGHTWEIGHT OIL before final flushing (depending on tank size). (2) Pump leaves protective coating on tank, pump, plumbing as oil pumped through. (3) Remove nozzle tips + screens — store in light oil (diesel fuel or kerosene). (4) Add small amount of oil + rotate pump 4 to 5 REVOLUTIONS BY HAND.

Winterize: drain water OR replace with antifreeze (RV antifreeze commonly used). Store in dry, clean building. Trailer sprayers: blocks under frame/axle to reduce tire pressure.

Personal cleanup

Remove contaminated clothes; SHOWER IMMEDIATELY after cleaning equipment.

Waiting until end of day allows additional pesticide absorption through skin. See Ch.6 for detailed clothing-cleaning procedures.

💡 Memory Hooks

Six steps, EC last: "Carrier, compatibility agent, suspensions, solutions, surfactants, emulsions." Tank mix order — ECs always last.

Mix start: "Carrier first, agitation on." Then everything else.

Hard water rule: "Hard water — pH greater than 7 — causes physical incompatibility." Common cause.

Two incompatibilities: "Heat means chemistry; layers mean physics." Diagnostic distinction.

Most restrictive wins: "DANGER overrides WARNING and CAUTION in any tank mix." Treat the whole mix at the strictest level.

Jar test wait: "Jar test: 10 to 15 minutes — heat or layers means failure." Wait time before judging.

Triple rinse rhythm: "Quarter full, ten seconds, three times." Small-container triple rinse.

Pressure rinse spec: "40 PSI for 30 seconds." Pressure-rinse pressure + time.

Container size rule: "Five gallons or less = shake. Larger = roll one full revolution." Method depends on size.

Measure utensils: "Glass or plastic, never metal." Some pesticides react with aluminum and iron.

Pouring posture: "Below face level — and stand so it can't blow back." Mixing/loading safety.

Rinsate apply rule: "Apply rinsates at or below label rates." Total pesticide capped at label rate.

No bleach in rinsate: "Bleach and ammonia don't go in pesticide rinsate." May harm plants/animals/surfaces.

Shower timing: "Shower right after cleaning equipment — not at end of day." Skin keeps absorbing.

Sprayer storage prep: "Lightweight oil before storage; antifreeze for winter." Two key prep steps.

Cleanup ratio: "8 to 16 ounces of detergent in 30 to 40 gallons of water." Equipment cleanup formula.