Sprayers101 Archive
Search our archive of expert-written, data-driven analysis of spraying techniques, equipment, strategies, and more.
Spray Quality and Volume Matrix
We often write about how valuable water sensitive paper can be to visualize and assess the coverage we’re getting from a specific application method. A…
The 2015 in Review: 8 Points Evaluation of Your Spray Program – Tips with Tom #12
During post-harvest down-time, it’s important to take a much needed breather.Then, before you know it’ll be time to start the shop projects and equipment…
Choosing a New Tank, Burn-off Tank Mixes & Nozzle Swapping – Tips with Tom #11
How often do you test spray-water quality and what do you do if you’ve got hard water? If you’re looking to replace your spray…
The Pros & Cons of Aerial Application – Tips with Tom #10
Hiring an aerial applicator means fewer tracks in the crop and often a quicker spray application, but spray planes are not miraculous, says Tom…
Measuring Spray Coverage – Tips with Tom #8
The importance of good spray coverage is emphasized in all kinds of agricultural publications, including product labels. But, according to Tom Wolf, “the labels…
Spray Quality – Tips with Tom #7
One of the greatest threats to lost return and non-target plant damage in spraying is drift. Spray applicators have to be conscious of all…
7 Steps to Total Sprayer Cleanout – Tips with Tom #6
The first question during the spray season is likely, “what kills this weed spectrum? The second might just be, “How do I clean our…
Selecting the Right Sprayer Boom Height – Tips with Tom #5
What’s the right choice for nozzle fan angle? 80 degrees or 110 degrees? This question leads us to boom height. How do we select…
Making the Pressure Gauge your Speedometer – Tips with Tom #4
Good spray quality is essential in application, but all of the factors involved can make getting there quite a challenge. In reviewing magazines, you…
Choosing Nozzles for Diverse Applications – Tips with Tom #3
After running through your sprayer’s routine maintenance, it’s time to assess the suitability of its nozzles for upcoming applications, and, let’s face it, that…
Is it OK to Spray in the Early Morning? – Tips with Tom #2
It’s early morning on a bright, clear day. The sun is just starting to climb. There’s a heavy dew on the crop. Should you…
7 Tips for Purchasing a New Sprayer – Tips with Tom #1
What’s the only surefire way to know whether or not the sprayer is applying product at the rate you’ve specified? Can you let the…
Spray Coverage in Potato
In June, 2014, 30 growers attended a spray coverage demonstration in a potato field in Alliston, Ontario. Our goal was to explore three questions: This…
50 Ways to Get Good Coverage – Parody
50 Ways To Get Good Coverage Sung to the tune of “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon. The problem is all…
Novel Ginseng Boom Design
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…
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…
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…
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…
Debunking Sprayer Myths
Reproduced from an article written by Angela Lovell for Grainews, 2014 “The fundamental challenge of spraying is that it’s a compromise game,” said Tom…
Tank Rinse Dilution
If you have a limited amount of clean water to rinse your sprayer, this can help you decide how to make the best use…
Fungicide Application Basics
Fungicide use appears to be the fastest growing segment of North American crop protection. Here is some advice on how to get the best…
Water Quality and Spray Application
Water is one of the main inputs into a spray operation. The amount of water applied per acre is closely related to spray coverage…
Top Five Tips for the Spray Season
This article was originally written by @nozzle_guy as a guest blog for Farm At Hand, and is reproduced with permission. Spray season is here,…
How to Use a Nozzle Flow Chart, With a Surprising Twist
Undoubtedly, the number one question we get from operators is: “Which nozzle should I get”? Luckily there’s no simple answer, or we wouldn’t have…
An Easier Way to Clean Your Sprayer
Farming can be divided into pleasant and unpleasant tasks. Seeding is pleasant. Hauling oats or barley not so much. Sprayer cleaning is…not. And yet…