Circulating Spray Mix Through a Tank-Rinse Nozzle Maintains Nematode Concentration

(A) Tank-rinse assembly mounted through tank lid with a flow-regulating valve. (B) Close up of tank-rinse nozzle.

This article was co-written with Jennifer Llewellyn, OMAFRA Nursery Crop Specialist Many horticultural commodities, such as turfgrass and nursery crops, include the application of live nematodes as part of their annual IPM program. In 2013 we performed preliminary research into the claim that a grower’s nematode applications were becoming less effective. In the course of […]

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The Perfect Sprayer Boom for Ginseng?

The improved drop arm

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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