Tall oil crude

Tall oil crude is a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, representing a complex mixture of fatty acids, resin acids, and unsaponifiable substances. In agronomy, it is classified as a surface-active agent (adjuvant).

Its primary mechanism of action involves significantly reducing the surface tension of the spray solution. This facilitates better droplet spreading over the leaf surface, which is crucial for treating crops with waxy coatings or dense pubescence.

The substance prevents the rapid evaporation of pesticide droplets, keeping them on the plant surface for an extended period. It enhances cuticle permeability, facilitating the penetration of herbicide and fungicide active ingredients into plant tissues.

Due to its viscosity and chemical composition, tall oil provides an adhesive effect, preventing the washing off of products by precipitation. This increases the biological efficacy of protection measures even under unfavorable weather conditions.

Tall oil does not possess direct toxic activity against pests or diseases; however, its addition to tank mixtures allows for the reduction of dosage rates of expensive pesticides by increasing their local concentration on the target.

This product is not applied against specific species but is used to optimize the effect of a wide range of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides on various agricultural crops.

It is effectively used in the treatment of cereals, corn, sunflowers, sugar beets, and field-grown vegetable crops.

Application is particularly justified when it is necessary to control difficult-to-eradicate weeds with thick waxy cuticles, such as common lambsquarters or knotweed species.

When using fungicides, tall oil helps to evenly distribute the product over the entire leaf surface, including hard-to-reach areas under the leaves.

In insecticide treatments, the substance helps retain contact products on the pest surface, increasing the speed of action against target insect populations.

Application rates for tall oil vary depending on water hardness, the type of pesticide used, and the condition of the crop leaf surface.

Typically, the dosage ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 liters per 100 liters of spray solution, corresponding to a 0.1–0.5% concentration.

The working solution is prepared by filling the sprayer tank with water, adding the pesticide, and finally adding the tall oil under constant agitation.

The timing of applications is strictly tied to the regulations for the main pesticides with which this adjuvant is used.

It is important to monitor the mixing quality, as tall oil has high density and can form emulsion layers if the technology is violated.

Tall oil should not be used in tank mixtures with products exhibiting a strong alkaline reaction, as this may lead to the degradation of the active ingredients.

Treatment at air temperatures above +25°C and under intense solar radiation is not recommended to avoid the risk of phytotoxicity and leaf burns.

If it comes into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, tall oil can cause irritation; therefore, work should be carried out using personal protective equipment.

Discharging remaining spray solution into water bodies or sewage systems is prohibited due to the high concentration of organic substances.

The product must be stored in closed containers away from open fire sources, as the oil components are flammable.