Introduction
In agriculture, there has always been a need to find means to improve the quality and productivity of crops. This becomes especially relevant in conditions of changeable weather, as well as, if necessary, protecting plants from various diseases and pests. In this regard, various agrochemicals have been actively used. However, in order for their action to be as effective and long-term as possible, additional components were required. This is the function of adhesives.
Adhesives, at first glance, may seem like an insignificant component in the agricultural process, but their importance cannot be overestimated. They enhance and prolong the action of the main drugs, which ultimately affects the overall result of the farmer's work.
Over time, adhesives have undergone a number of changes and improvements. At the beginning of their use, these were simple compounds, intended only to improve the adhesion of the solution to the plant. But research and development has led to the fact that modern adhesives perform many functions and significantly affect the quality of plant treatment.
In this article, we will look at the main aspects related to adhesives, their role and importance in modern agriculture, as well as learn about the latest innovations in this area.
II. What are adhesives?
Adhesives are specialized chemicals added to solutions of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and other agrochemicals to improve their adhesion to the treated plant surface. These substances play a key role in optimizing the action of the main drug.
Main functions of adhesives:
- Adhesion Improvement: Adhesives increase the mortar's ability to "stick" to the plant, even in windy or rainy conditions.
- Distribution of the solution: With their help, the solution is evenly distributed over the surface of the plant, which ensures maximum coverage.
- Evaporation Reduction: Adhesives slow down the evaporation of the solution from the leaves, increasing the contact time of the drug with the plant.
- Increased Penetration: Some adhesives improve the penetration of active substances into plants, which is especially important in the treatment of certain diseases.
There are several types of adhesives, which differ in composition and mechanism of action. For example, they can be based on oil or silicone, as well as combined. The choice of a specific type depends on the purpose of processing, the characteristics of the drug used and the conditions for its use.
The key point in using adhesives is their correct dosage. Busting with the amount can lead to the opposite effect, while the lack of it will not allow you to achieve the desired result.
III. The mechanism of action of adhesives
Adhesives are an innovative solution in agricultural technologies that enhance the effect of drugs used in agriculture. Understanding the mechanism of their action helps to optimize the processing of plants.
Change in surface tension:
Adhesives reduce the surface tension of the liquid, which allows droplets to spread evenly and cover the plant without forming large droplets that can run off.
Increasing adhesive properties:
These substances enhance the interaction between the plant and the preparation, providing a better "sticking" of the solution to the leaves and stems.
Plant penetration:
Some adhesives facilitate the penetration of active ingredients into plant tissues. This may be especially important for systemic pesticides that must move within the plant.
UV Protection:
Some adhesives contain ingredients that protect active ingredients from degradation by sunlight, increasing their lifespan on plant surfaces.
Evaporation and washout reduction:
Adhesives can slow the evaporation of the drug from the plant surface and make it resistant to rain, which lengthens the time during which the drug remains active.
Film Forming:
Some adhesives create a thin film on the surface of the plant, which can provide additional protection against pests or diseases.
In general, the mechanism of action of adhesives is to enhance the effectiveness of agrochemicals, making them more durable, resistant to external factors and promoting deep penetration into the plant.
IV. Benefits of using adhesives in agricultural technologies
Adhesives in agriculture have long been an integral part of many agrochemical preparations. They play a key role in enhancing the effect of pesticides and herbicides, as well as in increasing their economic efficiency.
Resource Saving:
The use of adhesives reduces the amount of pesticides and herbicides needed, as they provide better distribution and penetration of the active substance.
Improve processing efficiency:
Adhesives improve the adhesion of preparations to the plant, which provides a more uniform coating and ensures that the active substance is delivered to the right parts of the plant.
Prolongation of action of drugs:
By protecting against ultraviolet radiation and reducing evaporation, adhesives lengthen the period during which pesticides and herbicides remain active on the plant.
Weather protection:
Adhesives prevent the preparations from being washed out by rain, ensuring their stability even under adverse weather conditions.
Safety and environmental friendliness:
The use of adhesives can reduce environmental risk as fewer chemicals are needed to achieve the desired effect.
Yield increase:
Through the optimal use of pesticides and herbicides with adhesives, plants receive better protection against pests and diseases, which can help increase yields.
In conclusion, the use of adhesives in agrotechnologies provides a range of benefits, ranging from economic benefits to improved crop quality and quantity.
V. Main Applications of Adhesives
Adhesives have a wide range of applications in various fields of agriculture. Here are a few key areas where they have the greatest impact:
Plant protection:
Adhesives are often added to pesticides and herbicides to provide uniform coverage of plants and improve the penetration of active substances.
Pest Control:
When using insecticides, adhesives help to ensure long-term action of the preparations by preventing premature washout and improving adhesion to insect surfaces.
Seed treatment:
During seed germination, adhesives can help improve nutrient penetration, promoting plant growth and development.
Plant disease control:
In fungicides, adhesives provide excellent coverage of the plant, helping active agents to penetrate hard to reach areas and providing protection against pathogens.
Improving the properties of fertilizers:
In some cases, adhesives can be added to liquid fertilizers to improve their adhesion to plant leaves and stems, which improves nutrient uptake.
Application in hydroponics:
In hydroponic systems, adhesives can be used to improve the distribution of water and nutrients around the plant's root system.
In general, adhesives play an important role in modern agriculture, helping farmers optimize the use of agrochemicals and increase the yield of their crops.
VI. New trends and innovations in adhesives
- Environmentally Friendly Adhesives: With increasing attention to the environment, developers are actively researching ways to create more environmentally friendly adhesives. Such products are based on biodegradable components that do not have a negative impact on the environment.
- Next Generation Adhesives: Improved adhesive formulas that provide even greater adhesion and longer acting times, helping to reduce dosage and frequency of application.
- Nanotechnology: Incorporating nanoparticles into adhesives can improve the penetration of pesticide and fertilizer actives into plants, increasing their effectiveness.
- Smart Adhesives: Development of "smart" adhesives that react to environmental changes such as temperature, humidity or light levels, optimizing their performance according to conditions.
- Compatibility with different formulations: Research is focused on developing adhesives that can work together with different types of pesticides and fertilizers, offering farmers the flexibility to choose crop protection products.
- Expanding applications: In addition to traditional agriculture, adhesives are increasingly being used in horticulture, landscaping and houseplants.
Today's adhesive innovations continue to evolve, offering growers new and effective tools to increase productivity and protect crops. It is important to follow these trends in order to use the most advanced and effective methods in your practice.
Conclusion
Adhesives play a key role in modern agricultural technologies, providing increased efficiency in the use of pesticides and fertilizers. These substances improve the adhesion of protective agents to plants, increasing their effect and reducing losses. Modern research and innovation in this area is aimed at creating environmentally friendly, smart and high-performance adhesives. New technologies such as nanoparticles and improved formulas are making their application even more feasible for farmers.
