Hello everyone, There is a difference between an acidifier and a buffer. If you add an acid to the spray tank, that will lower the pH, but how far depends upon your water source, how much acid you put in the tank, what products you have in the tank, and how much of that substance is put in there. It is difficult to predict or adjust accurately.
A buffer usually lowers the pH to a level that is specific to that buffering product, and holds it there (as long as you have put the appropriate dose of the buffer in the mix.) It is difficult to know when a buffer or acidifier is necessary, though they are often beneficial when you have "hard" water at the spray fill. Some plant protectant products are alkaline by nature, and are chemically altered when acidified. The Kocide 3000 label, for example, directs to keep the pH above 6.5, and I'm certain there are many other examples. This is difficult to keep straight as you change your plant protectants as appropriate during the season. TO buffer or not to buffer The only guideline you can trust: read the label carefully and hope that this issue has been addressed there. Tim Smith Washington State University Wenatchee From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Fleming, William Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2014 8:16 AM To: Apple-crop discussion list Subject: Re: [apple-crop] lowering ph in spray solution I've used vinegar occasionally but am only lowering the pH by .2 Someone correct me if I'm wrong but it's been my understanding the spray water pH doesn't make much difference if you spray right after mixing and don't let the tank sit. The decrease in performance data I've seen was done with a tank mix that sat for three hours. Bill Fleming Montana State University Western Ag Research Center 580 Quast Lane Corvallis, MT 59828 From: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mark Evans Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 8:05 PM To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: [apple-crop] lowering ph in spray solution The water for spraying on our farm is currently 7.7. We have used vinegar, Tri-fol, Li-700 and several other products to reduce ph. I would like to know what products list members prefer to accomplish this task without using a spreader-sticker/penetrant. I've considered using anhydrous citric acid but have found little horticultural data on its use. Thankyou, Mark A. Evans Frankfort, Michigan
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