24 POTATO GROWER | NOVEMBER 2017
167928NatPot12h.indd 1 9/20/17 1:35 PM
STEP 6:
ADD TANK CLEANER
Tank cleaners are sophisticated products that break down
the herbicide molecule, increase the herbicide's solubility,
and remove any residues that may have penetrated
into the walls of hoses, tanks or fittings. However, tank
cleaners have limitations. Remember that tank cleaners
only work on herbicides that are vulnerable to alkaline
hydrolysis. And never forget that tank cleaners are no
substitute for a thorough cleaning.
STEP 7:
PERFORM FINAL RINSE AND FLUSH
Some operators perform one last flush of water to ensure
the system is as clean as possible. Others even go an extra
step by removing the screens again and using a pressure
washer to clean residues from the sprayer surface. Still
others use a tank mix surfactant or fertilizer additive,
which are good at removing herbicide residue that
commercial cleaners can leave behind.
This article is excerpted from a Purdue University
Extension report titled "Removing Herbicide Residues from
Agricultural Application Equipment," authored by several
experts from around the country, including Fred Whitford,
director of Purdue's pesticide programs, and Kirk Foreman,
commercial certified applicator with Falmouth Farm
Supply in Falmouth, Ind. The full report can be accessed at
ppp.purdue.edu and clicking on the "Resources" link.
