When it comes to agronomic chemical applications, success starts before the sprayer ever hits the field. Proper tank mixing order plays a critical role in ensuring product performance, preventing compatibility issues, and avoiding costly mistakes.
That’s where the A.P.P.L.E.S. mixing order comes in. This simple acronym helps ensure each component is added at the right time to achieve uniform mixing and optimal performance.
Start with the basics
Before adding any products, begin with:
- 1/4 to 1/2 tank of clean water
- Start agitation immediately
- Add products one at a time, allowing each to fully mix before adding the next
Skipping these fundamentals can lead to poor dispersion, product incompatibility, or even tank cleanout issues later on.
The A.P.P.L.E.S. tank mixing order
A – Agitate (and add adjuvants first)
Start with agitation and your initial additives:
- AMS (ammonium sulfate)
- Defoamers
- Compatibility agents
These help condition the water and reduce issues before herbicides are introduced. Getting this step right sets the foundation for everything that follows.
P – Powders soluble (SG, SP)
Next, add water-soluble powders, such as soluble granules (SG) or soluble powders (SP).
These products need time to fully dissolve. Adding them early—while agitation is strong—helps prevent clumping and ensures they disperse evenly throughout the solution.
P – Powders dry (DF, WDG, WP)
After soluble powders, add dry formulations, including:
- Dry flowables (DF)
- Water-dispersible granules (WDG)
- Wettable powders (WP)
These materials can be more prone to settling or clumping if not properly incorporated, so maintaining good agitation is key.
L – Liquids (flowables and suspensions)
Once dry products are fully mixed, move to liquid formulations:
- Suspension concentrates (SC)
- Flowables (F)
- Microencapsulated products (ME)
At this stage, many programs may also include:
- Drift control agents
- Thickening agents or “all-in-one” adjuvants
These products are designed to stabilize droplets and improve application performance, but they should only be added after the dry components are fully incorporated.
E – Emulsifiable concentrates (EC, EW, OD)
Next come oil-based herbicides:
- Emulsifiable concentrates (EC)
- Emulsions in water (EW)
- Oil dispersions (OD)
These formulations rely on emulsifiers and can cause compatibility issues if added too early. Waiting until this step helps maintain stability in the solution.
Oil-based adjuvants, such as MSO, COC, or HSCOC, are typically added here as well.
S – Solutions (S, SL)
Finally, add solution-based products:
- Soluble liquids (SL)
- Other solution formulations
This is also when you’ll incorporate:
- Surfactants (e.g., NIS)
- Chelated micronutrients (if part of the tank mix)
These finishing components help improve coverage, uptake, and overall effectiveness.
Why mixing order matters
It’s easy to overlook mixing order when you’re moving quickly during the season—but the consequences can add up:
- Reduced herbicide efficacy
- Plugged nozzles or screens
- Increased risk of crop injury
- Wasted product and time
Following a consistent system like A.P.P.L.E.S. ensures each component works as intended, without interfering with the others.
Practical tips to remember
- Never rush the process — let each product fully mix before moving on
- Maintain constant agitation — especially with dry formulations
- Watch compatibility — when in doubt, perform a jar test
- Follow label directions — they always take priority
Tank mixing can make or break a herbicide application. By sticking to the A.P.P.L.E.S. framework, you create a repeatable process that improves consistency, minimizes risk, and helps ensure every pass across the field delivers the results you expect.
A few extra minutes at the tank can go a long way toward protecting performance—and your bottom line.
For more information on proper tank mix order, reach out to your CHS sales representative with any questions you may have.
