What should be avoided when cleaning equipment used to apply soil fumigants?

When cleaning equipment used to apply soil fumigants, it is essential to avoid the use of water because soil fumigants are formulated to penetrate soil and are designed to control pests effectively in specific environmental conditions. Water may dilute the fumigant residues and could potentially create conditions that lead to the volatilization of the active ingredients or enhance unwanted chemical reactions.

The residues left on equipment after applying fumigants can be hazardous; hence, using the appropriate cleaning methods is crucial. Cleaning with water could also lead to a situation where the fumigants could eventually leach into water sources or contaminate the environment if not handled properly. Therefore, it is advised to use cleaning solutions specifically intended for fumigants that can effectively break down the residues without compromising safety or effectiveness.