What process involves stirring or mixing in a sprayer to ensure proper pesticide application?

The process that involves stirring or mixing in a sprayer to ensure proper pesticide application is known as agitation. Agitation is essential in maintaining a uniform mixture of the pesticide and water in the tank. This ensures that the active ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing separation that could lead to improper application rates and effectiveness.

When the pesticide is mixed in a tank, sedimentation can occur if the mixture is left undisturbed, resulting in an uneven distribution of chemicals. Through agitation, the sprayer continuously mixes the solution, keeping it homogenous. This is particularly important for emulsifiable concentrates, suspensions, and wettable powders, which can settle or separate over time.

Other terms such as activation, application, and assessment refer to different stages or processes within the pesticide handling and usage framework. Activation might refer to the initiation of a chemical reaction, application is the actual process of applying the pesticide to plants or areas, and assessment involves evaluating the effectiveness or impact post-application. These processes do not pertain directly to the mixing or stirring required to maintain an effective application in a sprayer.