When is a hydraulic agitation system considered inadequate?

A hydraulic agitation system is considered inadequate when it fails to keep wettable powders in suspension. This is a critical function for ensuring that the active ingredients in a pesticide formulation are uniformly distributed in the mixture before application. If wettable powders settle at the bottom of the tank and are not kept in suspension, there is a risk of applying an uneven distribution of the herbicide, which can lead to ineffective treatment or harm to the aquatic ecosystem.

Inadequate agitation can lead to problems such as clogging in the application equipment or inconsistent coverage on the targeted aquatic plants. The ability to maintain all components of the formulation in a suspension is essential to achieve the desired efficacy and to prevent potential environmental contamination from unintentional over-application or under-application.

Properly designed systems, such as those utilizing venturi devices or larger diameter hoses, are intended to enhance agitation and maintain uniform suspension. The failure to achieve this critical function directly impacts the performance and effectiveness of aquatic herbicides, marking the system as inadequate.