In 2013 we ran a sprayer coverage demonstration in a ginseng garden in Norfolk County, Ontario. The goal was to encourage growers to reconsider their spray operation with an eye to coverage. We performed a down-and-dirty comparison between simple disc-core nozzles and the considerably more expensive Arag Microjets. Opinions were mixed, but we were confident the […]
Month: June 2015
Capstan Calibration Chart (with Pressure Drop)
Pulse-width Modulated flow control allows you to change travel speed by a factor of about five without a change in spray pressure. This chart shows which nozzle flow rates to use. Note the significant pressure drop across the Capstan solenoid. This value must be added to the cab spray pressure, as explained here. Capstan Tip […]
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Measuring Pressure Drop
All sprayers experience a drop in pressure as the solution moves further away from the pump. Here’s why that’s important, and how to measure it. Optimal nozzle operation in terms of spray quality and fan angle is closely tied to spray pressure. As we try to maximize travel speed range with a modern sprayer, we […]
Off-Label Spraying: A Lose-Lose Situation
Submitted while Dustin was the Commercial Horticulture Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Horticultural chemicals and pesticides often have the dubious distinction of being more expensive than their field crop cousins. In order to reduce costs, growers may sometimes buy and use chemicals which have the same active ingredient, but are not registered for the […]