 |
ProCrop |
The Effect of Water pH on Insecticides
Alkaline water used in spray mixtures can seriously reduce the effectiveness of some insecticides, particularly if the mixture is left standing in the spray tank for an extended period of time.
Insecticides classified as organophosphates and carbamates break down easily in high pH water. Use water of pH 7.00 or less with these insecticides. The pH of any solution will be between zero and 14, with anything below seven being alkaline. Lemon juice is acidic with a pH of two. Milk of Magnesia is alkaline with a pH of 10.5 distilled water is neutral with a pH of seven.
If water having a pH of 7.0 or less is not available, use a buffering agent to alter the water pH. Buffering agents can be purchased from agricultural chemical dealers. Water pH testing kits can be bought from some dealers at a nominal cost.
Back to Insect - Insects Menu
Back to Insecticides
- Insects Menu
Back to Insects Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index
