How to Properly Set Up a Crop Sprayer

Article reprinted with kind permission from an original article written by Oliver Hill in the February, 2017 edition of Farmers Weekly. Photos ©Kathy Horniblow. Crop spraying is one of the most important and highly skilled jobs undertaken on any arable farm, but it is facing increased public scrutiny. This is why it is vital that the kit […]

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Alternate Row Spraying

Alternate row spraying is an application method where the air-assist sprayer does not pass down every alley during an application. The sprayer operator is relying on the spray to pass through one or more rows and provide acceptable coverage to the entire canopy (or canopies) on a single pass. Some state agencies promote this spraying […]

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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 handy reference is this matrix that combines both factors.  Print it and use it in the field to compare what your application method is doing to these relative standards.  On average, […]

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How to Use a Nozzle Flow Chart, With a Surprising Twist

Calibration Chart (US Units)

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 jobs! The reason it’s not simple is because selecting the “right” nozzle for a sprayer is a process. It can be broken down into two steps: It’s a big question, so […]

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Rate Controllers and Spray Pressure

Monitors

Automatic rate controllers are standard equipment on almost all new sprayers. They ensure consistent application volumes, but they don’t do all the thinking for you.  We explore how to make them work properly. A rate controller needs to know the boom width (entered by the user), the total spray liquid flow rate (from a flow […]

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