Tank mix: what to consider for herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and foliar fertilizer compatibility

The tank mix consists of the combination of two or more agrochemicals in the sprayer. Mixtures have advantages such as optimizing the application of pesticides and consequently reducing costs by reducing the number of sprays. The combinations of these products can have positive or negative effects on pest, disease and weed control. This review aims to collect information on research on mixtures of herbicides with other agrochemicals and foliar fertilizers commonly used in Brazilian agriculture, indicating the effect of their interactions. The incompatibility of mixtures causes major problems such as damage to equipment, downtime, phytotoxicity in crops and chemical inefficiency, changes in the physicochemical composition of mixtures, deposition at the bottom of the tank, and obstruction of the pulverization system. Water quality is also an important factor in the interaction of pesticides, correlating with pH and electrical conductivity, requiring adjuvants. In addition, the correct order of addition of pesticides, according to the type of formulation, avoids their incompatibility. Interactions between herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and foliar fertilizers vary and may require preliminary testing before application.