‘Rainfast’ refers to the time it takes until a
chemical cannot be washed off by environmental factors such as rains. Oftentimes
farmers have challenges with chemical wash off due to failure to understand or
apply the rainfast of crop protection products (herbicides, insecticides and
fungicides).
In many instances, farmers have applied these
chemicals immediately prior to rainfall or whilst it showers. Thereafter, the
failure of these chemicals to yield the expected results has been attributed to
chemical suppliers and companies. In actual fact this chemical failure is due
lack of adherence to rainfast time.
What exactly is Rainfast
Time?
For herbicides
or weed killers, generally, chemicals must be applied 3 to 6 hours prior to
rains. However, reference must be made to the chemical labels for these times
vary. For instance herbicides like Paraquat only need 30 minutes to be fully
absorbed and any rains after this will not adversely affect the herbicide.
Likewise, reference must be made to chemical
labels of fungicides in order to ascertain the exact rainfast time as some
require 1 to 2 uninterrupted hours while others require 24 hours before the
rains to be fully effective.
Insecticides generally require 2 to 6
uninterrupted hours after application prior to the onset of rain. As the case
with herbicides and fungicides, the chemical label will guide the farmer as to
the precise time. In the absence of such instructions, farmers are advised to contact
their chemical company or suppliers.
Further, it is vital to add a sticker crop
protection feature products. This boosts the rainfastness of the crop
protection products by making the penetration or absorption quicker.
Put simply, avoid spraying crop protection
products whilst it showers or the clouds show likelihood of rains. Always do
the right thing to increase your production. Never hesitate to consult your
chemical suppliers pertaining any queries on the product’s characteristics.
Agronomist
H. Kanyimbo has the farmers at heart and is just one call away for your farming
input supply.
by Agronomist H. Kanyimbo
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