Sprayers101 Archive
Search our archive of expert-written, data-driven analysis of spraying techniques, equipment, strategies, and more.
How Low Can You Go?
There’s a lot of talk about lowering the boom to reduce drift and make twin fan nozzles more effective. But how low can we…
Boom Heights at Fan Angles Worksheet
Use this spreadsheet to calculate the minimum boom heights needed for various applications. Some caution: The values are theoretical and assume the fan angles…
Six Spray Technology Skills for Agronomists
Agronomists help farmers manage their crop with advice on everything from crop cultivars to fertilizer rates to marketing. It’s challenging to be an expert…
How to Calibrate an Airblast Sprayer Operator
When an extension specialist, equipment retailer or consultant is asked to calibrate an airblast sprayer, they would be well advised to calibrate the sprayer…
Recirculating Booms – Introduction to the Concept
A lot of people are intimidated by sprayer plumbing. One look at the spaghetti bowl of spray mix and hydraulic hoses and valves, and…
How Airblast Spray Droplets Behave (or Misbehave)
Some pesticide labels require or prohibit certain droplet sizes to reduce the potential for drift. But, even when labels are silent about size restrictions,…
Techniques to Improve Spray Productivity
In almost all agronomic practices, timing is key. There are certain, and often small, windows of opportunity for getting a task done without losing…
Do Labels Help us Apply Pesticides Properly?
It happened three times this spring. As is often the case, I was contacted by growers who wanted help with herbicide application. In most…
Evaluating Electrostatic Spraying in Carrot
This research was performed with Dennis Van Dyk, OMAFA Vegetable Crop Specialist. In 2018, MS Gregson introduced a line of electrostatic sprayers (the Ecostatik) in…
Electrostatic Spraying in Agriculture
Dear reader: This article is intended to provide basic information on how electrostatic sprayers work in an agricultural setting. The author does not sell…
Adjuvants in the airblast tank
Spray adjuvants are tank mix additives that either physically or chemically influence the efficacy, consistency or safety of pesticides. For example, adjuvants can improve…
Diagnosing Airblast Coverage
Assuming there are no mechanical or maintenance problems, water-sensitive paper can be used to diagnose sprayer performance. Go here to read more about water-sensitive paper. Interpreting…
Spraying Sweet Corn
This article was written with information from George Hamilton, Field Extension Specialist with New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (retired), and from Dr. Ben Werling, West…
Air-Assist Improves Coverage in Field Corn
Why aren’t there more air-assist boom sprayers in Canada? I can understand why field croppers might hesitate to pay for the feature because it’s…
What is Delta T and why is it important for spraying?
Humidity is important in spraying. With the average tank of pesticide being 90 to 99.5% water, evaporation plays an important role in both droplet…
Biobeds for Pesticide Waste Disposal
One of the most challenging aspects of a spray operation is the disposal of leftovers or rinsate containing pesticides. Let’s be honest, too much…
Plot Sprayer Calibration Worksheet
Need a worksheet for calibrating a plot sprayer? Well, we just so happen to have one here: Plot Sprayer Calibration (May 15, 2018)
Spraying in Dusty Conditions
Dusty conditions are common in spraying, and in dry springs they are often associated with a further challenge, drought-stressed plants. There is no magic…
“Bee” Responsible with Pesticide Sprays
Horticultural crops cannot be produced commercially without the use of pesticides to manage the impacts of insects and pathogens. Growers recognize the importance of…
Smart Spraying Tips and Tricks
This 2018 article was written by Victoria Berry for the Ontario Grain Grower. In the era of social media and keyboard warriors, it’s easy…
Spraying Large Nut Trees – Part 2
This article continues from Part 1. Droplet size Droplet size influences droplet behaviour. The following table lists the pros and cons to changing droplet…
Spraying Large Nut Trees – Part 1
Introduction I’ve studied spray applications in a diversity of crops, both broad acre and specialty, but perhaps nothing is as challenging large tree nut…
Airblast Towers are Worth Considering
Are you considering shelling out for a tower extension for your airblast sprayer? Spray towers are an excellent investment, but they warrant special consideration.…
Dual Fan Nozzles in Broadleaf Crops
Wondering which (if any) dual fan nozzle to buy? Well, first, understand they are intended for vertical targets, like wheat heads. Here’s a diagram…
Agrifac Launch – Endurance II is a High Tech Offensive
Agrifac shunned the Agritechnica show last year, choosing instead to introduce its latest Condor Endurance II alongside a wide range of high-tech controls at…