Pesticides & Water pH Levels | Farming Inspirations

Pesticides & water pH levels are inter-related where the performance of pesticides can be greatly affected by the pH level of water in which it is mixed.
Water pH is a major component of water quality & most pesticides prefer specific water solutions of pH for greater efficacy & results.
Understanding the chemical composition of pesticides and requirement of optimal water pH levels - lies the crucial part here.
The chemical composition of major insecticides, fungicides and herbicides fall under slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and favour water solutions of pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5.
If the pH of water solution falls outside this range, pesticides undergo degradation & hydrolysis where larger pesticide molecules are broken into simpler forms - which makes the active ingredient, chemically inactive towards targeted pests.
For example weak acid pesticides like 2,4-D amine / glyphosate should not be mixed in alkaline water solutions as it results in quicker breakdown of chemical and ultimate efficiency loss.
It is estimated that some active ingredients can lose more than half of their activity in one hour if they are in the wrong water pH.
For example, dimethoate, an insecticide which controls sucking pests in crops has a half life period of 12 hours when mixed in a water solution of pH 6 and has a half life period only 48 minutes when mixed in a water pH of 9.
Before spraying, applicators should always test their water using a pH meter or pH litmus strips. For accurate determination of water pH, pH meter is highly recommended. Also, spraying persons should keep in mind that pH of water sources can change over time and needed to be reassessed periodically especially with surface water.
It is also important to note that water pH can be adjusted using various adjuvants known as buffering agents. These buffers can help in adjusting the pH of the spray solution for improved efficacy & results.
Other than water pH levels & pesticides used, the speed and severity at which chemicals break down in water is influenced by the length of time and water temperature.

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[@zaina9011]

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[@JalalElfartassi]

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