All general hort articles on sprayer operation.
Please Note The Government of Canada introduced the first set of Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) rules in 2019, which addressed safety concerns and created a flexible and predictable environment for small RPAS flown within visual line-of-sight (VLOS). This article was written to reflect those rules. On March 6, 2025, amendments were made to the […]
Read More… from Drone Spraying in Canadian Agriculture (up to 2024)
Any description of airblast sprayer start-up must, contextually, make assumptions on how it was winterized for long-term storage. This cyclic relationship is why I use a chicken-and-egg title slide when giving this presentation. The inability to describe one process without the other is further complicated by the possibility that the sprayer is brand new and was […]
There are many factors that affect the work rate of an airblast application. If an operator can improve their work rate, without compromising spray efficacy or safety, they improve operational efficiency and save money. But how does each variable factor in? Is it worth the cost of a tender truck and operator to fill more […]
Read More… from Airblast Productivity and Work Rate Calculator
April 23rd, 3:45 am I was excited. Today would be my first in a series of drive-along experiences with Ontario sprayer operators. However, to get from my home in Southwestern Ontario to Newmarket, I would have to cross Toronto. This is not my favourite thing to do. But, Dean Solway, Plant Healthcare Supervisor with Shady […]
Read More… from Working with an Arborist: Drive-Along Diaries #1
I feel it’s important to occasionally remind myself why I do what I do, and who I’m doing it for. With that, let me tell you a story. I was recently asked to give a presentation about spray coverage and drift mitigation to an arborist organization. I agreed but harboured reservations. I’ve given talks of […]