Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
5~L
The present invention rela-tes generally to the field
of agricultural chemistry, and, more specifically, to compat-
ibility agents for improving the stability and uniformity
of mixtures of liquid fertilizer and pesticides.
The advantages of simultaneous application of liquid
fertilizer and pesticide(s) are twofold: (1) a single appli-
cation saves time as well as labor, and (2) reduces soil
compaction by eliminating a field operation. Unfortunately,
most pesticides are either noncompatible or form unstable
mixtures in liquid îertili~ers. This incompatibility can
result in the formation of substances resembling thick creams
or oil scum which settle on the bottom of the tank, float on
the top or coat the inside. Spraying of such incompatible
mix results in uneven distribution, poor performance, crop
injury and building up of soil and crop residues.
Previous attempts to improve the uniformity and
stability of such pesticide and liquid fertilizer mixtures
by incorporating into the mixtures known emulsifying and
suspendins agents, as compatibility agents, have been
relatively unsuccessful. Therefore, a need still exists
for compatibility agents which improve the stability and
uniformity of normally incompatible mixtures of pesticides
and liquid fertilizers so that both the pesticides and
fertilizer can be simultaneously applied to crops.
It is an object of the present invention to provide
compatibility agents which make possible the preparation of
more stable and uniform suspensions and e~ulsions of pesti-
cides and liquid fertilizers.
The compatibility agents of the present invention
which are used for improving the uniformity and stability
-1- ~ ,:
s~
o~ liquid fertili~er-pesticide mixtures so that the pesti-
cide can be accurately applied to a crop or soil in a pre-
determined amount by simultaneously applying the pesticide
and liquid fertilizer to the crop or soil consists essentially
of water, a member selected from a lower alkanol o 1 to 6
carbon atoms, ethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanola-
mine and a polyoxyethylene glycol phosphate ester of the
formula:
R- ~ -(OCH2CH2)n-O-P-OH
H
in which R is an alkyl of ~ to 12 carbon atoms, and n is
4 to 8.
The compatibility agent preferably contains from
10 to 30% water, 10 to 40% of a lower alkanol of 1 to 6
carbon atoms such as methanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propyl
alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec. butyl
alcohol, tert. butyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene
glycol, and triethylene glycol, and 30 to 80% of the alkylaryl
polyoxyethylene glycol phosphate ester. If desired, coloring
!` agents, defoaming agents, buffering agents, or other ingredi-
ents which do not interfere with the unctions of the compati-
bility agent may be incorporated.
The phosphate ester which is preferred for use in
the compatibility agent is octylphenol polyoxyethylene glycol
phosphate ester. Like the other esters which can be used,
it is an anionic surface acti~e agent. Its major use in the
past has been as a solubilizer and surfactant in detergent
formulas. The preferred ester is commercially available
from the Rohm and Haas Company under the special trademark
HA-88.
The preferred compatibility agent contains about
20% methanol, about 16% water and about ~4% the octylphenol
polyo~yethylene glycol phosphate ester.
-2-
: :
Z~9L
The preferred compatibility agent is prepared by blending
the methanol to a viscous solution containing the phosphate ester
and the water. The resulting soluti~l having a viscosity of 200
cps and specific gravity of 1.1 is stable at temperatures ranging
from -21C. to +50C., and is easily and uniformly mixed with
liquid fertilizers and water.
In the preferred method of use, the cc~,patioility agent
is added to the liquid fertilizer in an amount which ranges from
about 0.1% to about 0.4% by volume of the fertilizer solution and
the pesticide is then added to the resulting mixture. The suspen-
sions and emulsions thus obtained are more uniform in composition
and more stable than those prepared without the compatibility agent.
The stability and uniformity which insures a more accurate applica-
tion of the pesticide depends to some extent upon the liquid
fertilizer and pesticide employed, as well as, the concentration of
the ccn,patibility agent and the manner in which the various compon-
ents are mixed.
~ The liquid fertilizers referred to herein include liquid
; nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 28% and 32% solutions) and the liquid
mixed fertilizers which in addition to nitrogen contain various
amounts of other ingredients such as phosphate and potash (e.g.,
4-10-10, 6-18-6, 9-18-9, 7-23-5)~
The pesticides which normally experience ccmpatibility
problems with liquid fertilizers include he~bicidesr insecticides
; and fungicides known by the Trademarks: Atrazine, Cyanazine,
Dicamba, 2,4-D, EPTC, Alachlor, Metribuzin, Butylate, Pendimethalin,
Profluralin, Trifluralin, Dimethylamine salts of 2,4-D MCPP, and
Dicamba, Diazinon, Fonofos, Carbofuran, Chlorpyrifos, Thiram,
Chlorothalonil and Mancozeb. In all of these cases, we have found
that the ccmpatibility
~ .. . .
agent of the present invention will greatly improve the uni-
formity and stability of emulsions formed in various liquid
fertilizers. The compatibility problems associated with
pesticide(s) in water can also be overcome by the present
invention.
The following are guidelines for the use rates of
the compatibility agents:
Liquid l~itrogen Fertilizer 1-3 pints/100
(28-0-0, 32-0-0) & gallons of
Pesticides: fertilizer
Liquid Mixed Fertilizers 2-3 pints/100
(4-10-10, 10-10-10, gallons of fertilizer
12-6-6, 15-5-5,
6-18-6, 3-18-18,
9-18-9, 7-23-5,
1~-34-0)
& Pesticides:
Multiple Pesticide and 2-3 pints/100
Fertilizer Combinations: gallons of fertilizer
Compatibility Test: A simple test using small
proportional quantities of the components can provide growers
and custom applicators with the compatibility potential of
their chemicals. The following reasons will better explain
why a test of physical compatibility is required.
(a) Liquid fertilizers differ in density,
viscosity, salt concentration, and
nutrient analysis. Because there is
an almost endless number of fertilizer
solutions, varying in grade and analysis,
solutions may react differently in combi-
nation with the added pesticides.
(b) Pestlcides vary in formulation and
application rate.
(c) Improper mixing can be costly and time
consuming when applying pesticides. This
can result in inaccurate pesticide
.
..
- : ~ . . ,
Z5a~
applications, poor performance, increased
soil and crop residues and dissatisfaction
to the grower.
(d) To determine appropriate rate and mixing
method while using the compatibility agents.
The suggested test procedure comprises-
1. Adding 1 pint of liquid fertilizer to each of
2 clear jars, marked 'with' and 'without'.
2. Adding 1/4 teaspoon or 1.2 ml. of compatibility
agent to the jar marked 'with' (1/4 teaspoon is the equiv-
alent of 2 pints/100 gallons of liquid fertilizer)~
3. Adding the appropriate amount of pesticide (see
Tables 1 and 2) to each jar. If more than one is used,
add them separately with the wettable powders first in the
form of slurry, flowables second, and emulsifiable concen-
trates last.
` 4. Shaking the jars thoroughly to mix and then
allowing the jars to stand 15-30 minutes. ` `
5. Comparing the mixtures in the jars and noting
the uniformity of the dispersion of the mi~tures without the
formation of large flakes, sludge, gels, or other precipi-
tates.
, ~
If the mixture in the jar marked 'with' is not
sufficiently stable and uniform, the test is repeated using
25 3/8 teaspoon or 1.8 ml. of the compatibility agent (3/8
; teaspoon is the equivalent of 3 pints/100 gallons of ferti- ~;
lizer). If the mixture is still not sufficiently stable
and uniform, a premix of the compatibility agent and the
pesticide(s) is pr~epared and added to the liquid fertilizer
with mixing to obtain optimum results.
:
` '
,:
, , . ~ . .. .. . .. .... .. . . .
2S~
Table 1
Guideline of Pesticide Rates for Compatibility Testing
.
Gallons of Liquid Fertilizer Teasp~r~ l . F~
To Be Applied/Acre Pesticide to Be Added
Per Pint of Liquid
Fertilizer
1 QT/A 2 QT/A 4 QT/A
2.4 4.8 9.6
1.2 2.4 4.8
1040 0.6 1.2 2.4
0.4 008 1.6
0.3 0.6 1.2
100 0.2 0.5 1.0
*1 teaspoon = 4.93 ml.
Table 2
Guideline of Wettable Powder Pesticide Rates for Compatibility
Testing.
Gallons of Liquid Fertilizer Teaspoons* of Wettable
; To Be Applied/Acre Powder Pesticlde to Be
Added/Pint of Liquid
Fertilizer
1 LB/A 2 LB/A 4 LB~A
3.5 7.1 14.2
1.8 3.5 7.1
2540 0.9 1.8 3.5
0.6 1.2 2.4
0.4 0.9 1.8
100 0.3 0.7 1.
*Teaspoon = 1.6g. Based on 80% WP Pesticide Formulations
30 When evaluatiny compatibility to determine the
appropriate use rate, a minimum stability period of 30, and
preferably 60, minutes with no agitation is considered the
acceptability criterion. Separation of marginally compatible
blends can occur in spray hoses during intermittent operation
;
5~L
or during normal continuous operation. Such variations in
material distribution can reduce effectiveness of applica-
tions, even though not sufficient to cause nozzle plugging.
A longer stability period should be considered when inter-
mittent application or transportation between fields will
occur.
There are several alternative methods for mixing
; the compatibility agent with the fertilizer and pesticide.
They are the following:
Method I
1. Add the required amount of liquid fertilizer ln the
spray tank.
2. Add the required amount of compatibility agent to the
liquid fertilizer and mix thoroughly.
3. Add the required amount of pesticide and mix the
contents thoroughly.
Method II
1. Add the required amount of liquid fertilizer in the
~; spray tank.
2. Add the required amount of compatibility agent to the
liquid fertilizer.
3. Add the required amount of pesticide and then mix the
contents thoroughly.
Method III
1. Add the required amount of liquid fertilizer in the
spray tank.
2. Prepare a premix of required quantity of compatibility
agent and pesticide. Add to the liquid fertilizer and
mix contents thoroughly.
- : ~ ,, .
": ~ ,
Methods I and II are applicable for most sltuations.
Method III is suggested where compatlbility problems arise
where it is desired to apply two or more pesticides through
a single source of liquid fertilizer Method III is also
recommended for mixtures involving high phosphatic grade
liquid fertilizers (6-18-6, 9-18-9, 3-18-18, 7-23-5, 10-34-0)
and flowable pesticide formulations.
It should be noted that some form of agitation in
the spray tank during application may be required for certain
liquid fertilizer-pesticide combinations. In addltion, if
the spray mixture has been allowed to stand, it is desirable
to agitate the tank mix before application.
The practice of the lnvention is further illustrated
by the following Examples:
EX~PLES
General Test Procedure
The liquid fertilizer (50 ml.) was added to an
emulsion tube. The required amounts of pesticide and the
compatibility agent were added to the rertilizer and the
emulsion tubes were given 5-10 full immersions to obtain a
uniform mix. The contents of the emulsion tube were checked
visually for dispersion, column appearance, precipitation,
layer separation, etc. at different time intervals, and the
results observed compared to those observed in control tubes
not containing the compatibility agent. The specific details
of the various tests per~ormed are summarized below.
EXP~IPLE A
The above described yeneral test procedure was
employed to evaluate the compatibility of the herbicides
~lachlor (US2 rate 2 quarts per acre), Cyanazine (use rate
2S4
2-1~2 quarts per acre), ~trazine (use rate 2-1/2 quarts
per acre), Alachlor and Cyanazine (use rate 2 and 2-1/2
quarts per acre), and Alachlor and Atrazine (use rate 2
and 2-1/2 quarts per acre). The compatibility agent
employed was a mixture of 64% of an octylphenol poly-
oxyethylene glycol phosphate ester, (molecular weight about
490), about 16% water and about 20% methanol. The compati-
bility agent was added in an amount equivalent to 2 pints/
100 gallons of 15-5-5 grade liquid mixed fertilizer. Controls
containing no compatibility agent were also prepared.
In the controls the herbicides started separating
from the fertilizer solution in less than 5 minutes. In the
emulsion tubes containing the compatibility agent, excellent
emulsions were formed. Observations were made at the end of
one hour, and it was noted that there was a complete separa-
tion of the herbicide from the fertilizers in the controls.
No such separation was noticed in the emulsion tubes containing
compatibility agents. Furthermore, there was no evidence of
separation in the mixtures containing the co~patibility agent
at 19 hours.
EXAMPLE B
The procedure of Example A was repeated using a
liquid fertilizer grade 6-18-6; Alachlor (2 quarts per acre),
Atrazine (2-1/2 quarts per acre~, and Alachlor plus Atrazine
(2 plus 2-1/2 quarts per acre). The same compatibility agent
was used, but at a rate of 2 and 3 pints per 100 gallons for
the mixtures conta:ining individual pesticides and at the rate
of 2, 3 and 4 pints per 100 gallons for the mixtures contain-
ing combinations oE pesticides.
In the controls, the Alachlor initially mixed well
with the fertilizer, but then separated out in less than 3
_g_ '
,
,
Z~;i4
minutes. In the samples with the compatibility agent,
there was no evidence of such separation. The Atrazine
did not mix well in the fertilizer and even the Atrazine
mixture containing the compatibility agent needed agitation
to obtain proper mixing. The Atrazine and Alachlor control
mixtures formed a good suspension, however, in the presence
of the compatibility agent the suspension was more uniform.
At 30 and 60 minutes the mixture containing Alachlor
with the compatibility agent appeared to be stable; however,
in the control without the compatibility agent there was a
complete separation of the Alachlor. There was no evidence
of separation of the Atrazine from the fertilizer with or
without the compatibility agent. However, the mixture con-
taining the compatibility agent was more uniform. The use
of the compatibility agent at 3 pints per 100 gallons resulted
in the formation of finer suspension than that obtained when
2 pints per 100 gallons was employed.
In the mixture containing the Alachlor and Atrazine
combination, Alachlor separation was noted in the controls.
; 20 -i~o Alachlor separation was noted in the mixtures containing
two or three pints of the compatibility agent per 100 gallons
of fertilizer. The suspensions obtained at the 3 pints per
100 gallon rate of use were finer than those obtained at
lower rates of use.
At 18 hours, the Alachlor fertilizer mixture contain-
ing the compatibility agent was still stable. The Atrazine
fertilizer mixtures with or without the compatibility agent
also still appeared to be stable. The controls containing
the mixture of Alachlor and Atrazine had separated, whereas,
the mixtures containing the combination of the pesticides
and the compatibility agent were stable.
--10--
The test results indicate that with this grade
liquid fertilizer, the compatibility agent at 3 pints per
100 gallons performed better than that at 2 pints per 100
gallons. ~oth the stability and un:iformity of the mixtures
5 formed at the 3-pint rate was slight;ly superior to that
formed at the 2-pint rate. ~oweverV the results also indi-
cated that where longer stability is not desired, the compati-
bility agent could be used at the rate of 2 pints per 100
gallons of fertilizer. ~ -
EXAMPLE C
The procedure of Example A was repeated using the
liquid fertilizer grade 6-18-6 with Atrazine (Ciba-Geigy) at
the use rate of 2-1/2 quarts and Alachlor plus Atrazine
~Ciba-Geigy) at the use rate of 2 and 2-1/2 quarts, respectively.
The compatibility agent was used at a rate of 1, 2 and 4 pints
per 100 gallons of fertilizer.
Initial observations indicated that the Atrazine
(Ciba-Geigy brand) did not mix well with the fertilizer; even
with the compatibility agent present agitation was necessary.
At one hour the Atrazine-fertilizer mixture seemed
to be stable even in the absence of compatibility agent, but
there were significantly less floating particles in the mix-
tures containing 2 pints of the compatibility agent or more.
In the Alachlor-Atrazine combination containing controls,
25 all the Alachlor and part of the Atrazine separated from the `
fertilizer solution after one hour. In contrast, the mixture
containing 2 pints compatibility agent per 100 gallons of
the fertilizer was stable.
EXA~LE D
The procedure of Example A was repeated using the
liquid fertilizer 28-0-0 (30 gallons/acre); the herbicides
- . .' 1 . .
s~
employed were Pendimethalin (2 quarts/acre) and Metribuzin
(1.5 pounds/acre). The compatibility agen-t was employed at
the rate oE one and two pints/100 yallons of fertilizer.
l`~lixing Method II was used for mixing the herbicides and
; compatibility agent. The herbicides in the fertilizer
mixture containing no compatibility agent separated in less
than 15 minutes. The compatibility agent helped in obtain-
ing compatible and stable mixtures for 24 hours or more.
EX~LE E
The compatibility of Trifluralin (1 quart/acre)
plus Metribuzin (1/2 quart/acre) was tested in the liquid
fertilizer 4-10-10 (30 gallons/acre). The preferred
compatibility agent was employed at 3 pints/100 gallons.
Mixing Method III was employed. In the control, the herb-
iciaes separated from the fertilizer in less than 5 minutes.
The mixture containing the compatibility agent was stable
for 24 hours or more.
E ~ ~LE F
The procedure of Example A was repeated using the
liquid Eertilizer 12-6-6. The following herbicides were
used at the ra~es indicated: Alachlor (2 quarts per acre),
Cyanazine (2 1/2 quarts per acre), Atrazine (Ciba-Geigy)
(2-1/2 quarts per acre), Hopkins Agricultural Chemical Co.
brand Atrazine (2 pounds per acre), Alachlor plus Cyanazine
(2 plus 2-1/2 quarts per acre), Alachlor plus Ciba-Geigy
brand Atrazine 4L (2 plus 2-1/2 quarts per acre) and Alachlor
plus Hopkins brand Atrazine 80~ (2 quarts plus 2 pounds).
The compatibility agent was used at a rate of 2 pints per
100 gallons of fertilizer. The initial observations indi-
cated that without the use of the compatibility agent, none
of the herbicides, alone or in combination, were compatible
-12-
. .
1~ 5~
with this grade f~rtilizer. However, with the compatibill-ty
ayent present the compatibility of all the mixtures was
excellent.
At one hour, the herbicide and fertilizer mixtures
that included the compatibility agent were stable. However,
in all the controls there was a complete separation of the
herbicides from the fertilizers. Later observations verified
that even at 17 hours the herbicide-fertilizer mixtures con-
taining the compatibility agent were still stable.
E ~ ~LE G
The compatibility of the insecticide, Fonofos (1
to 2 quarts per acre) with the liquid fertilizers: 28-0-0,
9-18-9, 12-6-6, 15-5-5 and 6-18-6 was evaluated. The same
compatibility agent and procedure was used as in Example A.
The compatibility agent was used at the rate of 1 to 3 and
4 pints per 100 gallons. Controls were also prepared.
After one hour the following results were observed:
Liquid fertilizer grade 28-0-0: The mixtures with-
out the compatibility agent separated. Those with the compat-
ibility agents were compatible and stable emulsions.
Liquid fertilizer grade 9-18-9: The mixtures
containing Fonofos without the compatibility agent separated.
~he mixture containing the compatibility agent was uniform
and stable.
Liquid fertilizer grade 6-18-6: The control sepa-
rated out; the mixture containing the compatibility agent
was uniform and s1-able.
Liquid fertilizer grade 12-6-6: Both the control ;
and the mixture w:Lth the compatibility agent were stable.
Liquid fertilizer grade 15-5-5: The control showed
some separation while the mixture with the compatibility
agent was stable.
-13-
. ,
~ .
~ .
2~4
Observations at 17 hours indicated that the emulsions
were still stable, although some separation appeared to be
occurring.
EX~L~ H
The compatibility of the herbicide Butylate
at the rate of 2 quarts per acre was evaluated in combination
with the liquid fertilizer grades 28-0-0, 9-1~-9, 12-6-6,
15-5-5 and 6-18-6.
The compatibility agent of Example A was added at
the rate of 2 pints per 100 gallons. The compatibility agent
was added to the fertilizer; the herbicide was added and the
three ingredients mixed.
At one hour, t~e following results were noted:
Liquid Fertilizer Grade Observations
15 28-0-0 Compatible and stable with
compatibility agent. Control
separated.
9-18-3 Compatible and stable with
compatibility agent. Control
separated.
12-6-6 Compatible and stable with
compatibility agent. Control
complete separation in less
than 30 minutes.
25 15-5-5 Compatible and stable with
compatibility agent. Control
complete separation of herbi-
cides in less than 30 minutes.
6-18-6 Compatible and stable with
compatibility agent. Control
complete separation of herbi-
cides in less than 30 minutes.
At 7 hours, the followin~ results were noted:
28-0-0 With compatibility agent,
some separation as creamy
; layer. Control complete
; separation.
12-6-6 With compatibility agent,
compatible and stable.
Control complete separation.
-14-
.: ,
~ ; , : , ,': .: '
,
s~
Liquid Fertilizer Grade Observations
9-18-9 The mixture containing the
compatibility agent was
stable. Complete separation
of the herbicide occurred in
the control mixture.
15-5-5 The mixture containing the
compc~tibility agent was stable.
~utylate completely separated
in the control treatment.
6-18-6 Compatible and stable emulsion
with the compatibility ayent.
Complete separation of the
herbicide in the control
treatment.
EXAMPLE I
The compatibility of EPTC (2 quarts per acre) was
evaluated in 4-10-10 liquid fertilizer in the absence and
presence of the preferred compatibility agent (2 pints per
acre). ~ixing Method III was used for adding the herbicide
ana the compatibility agent to the fertilizer solution. The
herbicide in the control treatment separated in less than
10 minutes, whereas its emulsion in the fertilizer solution
containing the preferred compatibility agent was stable for
24 hours or more.
.. .
EXA~IPLE J
The compatibility of Pendimethalin (2 quarts per
~; :
acre) was studied in 28% nitrogen solution (30 gallons per
-~ acre). Several compatibility agents at 3 pints per 100
gallons fertilizer were examined for this purpose. The
required quantity of herbicide and the compatibility agent
were added to the fertilizer and the contents were thoroughly
mixed and allowed to stand. Observations on emulsion
stability of the mixtures were taken at various time inter-
vals. The compatibility agents used in this study arelisted below:
:~
` -15-
.
2~
J-1: The preferred compatibility agent con-
taining 20% methanol, 16% water, and
64% of the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phos?hate ester.
J-2: The compatibility agent containing
20% diethylene glycol, 16% water and
64% o~ the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-3: The compatibility agent containing
20% triethylene glycol, 16% water,
and 64% of the octylphenol polyoxy-
ethylene glycol phosphate ester.
J-4: The compatibility agent containing
20% ethylene ylycol, 16% water, and
64% of the octylphenol ployoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-5: The compatibility agent containing
20% propylene glycol, 16% water, and
64% of the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-6: The compatibility agent containing
20% isopropyl alcohol, 16% water, and
64% of the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-7: The compatibility agent containing
20~ n-propyl alcohol, 16% water, and
64% o~ the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-8: The compatibility agent containing
20% n-butyl alcohol, 16% water, and
64% o~ the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-9: The compatibility agent containing
20% isobutyl alcohol, 16% water, and
64~ o~ the octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-10: The compatibility agent containing
18% propylene glycol, 2% methanol, 16%
water, and 64% octylphenol polyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-ll: The compatibility agent containing
10'~ propylene glycol, 5% methanol,
5% diethanolamine, 16~ water, and
64~ octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate es~er.
J-12: The compatibility agent containing
10% propylene glycol, 5~ methanol,
5% tri-ethano]amine, 16~ water, and
64% octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate esterS
-16-
.:
, ,
2S9~
J-13: The compatibility agent containing
31~ water, 5~ diethanolamine, and
64% octylphenol polyoxyethylene
glycol phosphate ester.
J-l~: The compatibility agent contalning
26% water, 5~ methanol, 5% diethanol-
amine, and 64% octylphenol polyoxy-
ethylene glycol phosphate ester.
J-15: The compatibility agent containing
15~ methanol, 5~ d:iethanolamine,
16~ water, and 64% octylphenol
polyoxyethylene glycol phosphate
ester.
J-16: The compatibility agent containing
21% water, 10~ methanol, 5% diethanol-
amine, and 64% octylphenol polyoxy-
ethylene glycol phosphate ester.
The herbicide in the mixture not receiving any of
the above compatibility agents separated from the fertilizer
in less than 15 minutes.
All the above listed 16 compatibility agents helped
obtain a uniform and stable emulsion of Pendimethalin in
the nitrogen fertilizer solution. The mixtures remained ~`
stable for 24 hours or more.
In addition to the foregoing, field tests of liquid
fertilizer-pesticide mixtures to which the compatibiLity ~
agent had been added were performed. The ~ests demonstrated ; -
that such mixtures resulted in a more accurate application
of the pesticide.
Although experience indicates that the compati-
bility agent is particularly useful in those situations
where it is desired to apply two different pes~icides
simultaneously in a single source of liquid fertilizer,
the cornpatibility agent can be advantageously used whenever
it is desired to improve the uniformity or stability of a
liquid fertilizer and pesticide mixture.
-17-
