Growsafe Mixing and Loading Agrichemicals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What two pieces of information do you primarily use to calculate how much agrichemical to measure out for a spray job?
- The nozzle size and boom width of the spray equipment
- The application rate on the product label and the area to be treated (Correct answer)
- The type of pest or weed being targeted and the time of year
- The weather forecast and the product's withholding period
Correct answer: The application rate on the product label and the area to be treated
The product label states the required application rate, and combining this with the area to be treated gives you the exact quantity of agrichemical needed.
Question 2: Why is it important to avoid preparing more spray mixture than you need for a job?
- Excess mixture reduces the effectiveness of the agrichemical over time
- Larger volumes of mixture cause spray equipment to corrode faster
- Leftover spray mixture is difficult and restricted to dispose of legally (Correct answer)
- Preparing excess mixture wastes agitation time and fuel
Correct answer: Leftover spray mixture is difficult and restricted to dispose of legally
Leftover spray mixture cannot legally be poured down drains or onto bare ground; excess must be managed according to label directions, so preparing only what is needed avoids this problem.
Question 3: In the recommended mixing order for agrichemicals, which type of product is typically added last?
- Wettable powders and water-dispersible granules
- Suspension concentrates and flowable formulations
- Emulsifiable concentrates
- Surfactants and adjuvants (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Surfactants and adjuvants
Surfactants and adjuvants are added last because adding them early can cause excessive foaming that prevents other products from dispersing properly.
Question 4: Why is it important to keep the spray tank agitated while mixing agrichemicals?
- Agitation increases the pressure needed for effective spraying
- Agitation keeps insoluble particles suspended and ensures an even, consistent mixture (Correct answer)
- Agitation speeds up the chemical reaction between different products
- Agitation reduces the toxicity of the agrichemical before application
Correct answer: Agitation keeps insoluble particles suspended and ensures an even, consistent mixture
Without agitation, wettable powders and suspension concentrates settle to the bottom of the tank, resulting in uneven application rates and ineffective pest or weed control.
Question 5: What does the term 'tank mix' refer to in agrichemical application?
- The total volume capacity of the spray tank being used
- A combination of two or more products mixed together in the spray tank (Correct answer)
- The process of cleaning and neutralising the spray tank after use
- The ratio of water to concentrate used to make the spray solution
Correct answer: A combination of two or more products mixed together in the spray tank
A tank mix combines two or more agrichemicals or adjuvants in the spray tank for simultaneous application, which can save time but requires careful compatibility checking.
Question 6: Before beginning to mix any agrichemical, what must you always read first?
- The weather forecast to check wind speed and temperature
- Your spray records from previous applications in that paddock
- The label of each product you intend to use (Correct answer)
- The spray equipment manufacturer's operating manual
Correct answer: The label of each product you intend to use
The product label is a legal document containing critical information on mixing rates, compatibility, safety requirements, and restrictions that must be followed for every use.
Question 7: What is the main purpose of a closed transfer system when loading agrichemicals?
- To seal the spray tank and prevent evaporation losses during application
- To transfer agrichemical from the container to the tank without exposing the operator to concentrate (Correct answer)
- To close off the spray nozzles automatically when the tank pressure drops
- To prevent the spray tank from being accidentally overfilled with water
Correct answer: To transfer agrichemical from the container to the tank without exposing the operator to concentrate
Closed transfer systems use dedicated couplings to move concentrated agrichemical directly from the original container to the spray tank, minimising operator contact with the concentrate.
Growsafe Mixing and Loading Agrichemicals 2
What two pieces of information do you primarily use to calculate how much agrichemical to measure out for a spray job?