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    • Adjuvants in the Airblast Tank
      August 29, 2018
    • Diagnosing airblast coverage
      August 29, 2018
    • Jacto in Sweetcorn (Hamilton) Spraying Sweet Corn
      August 1, 2018
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      July 5, 2018
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      June 27, 2018
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Recent Images

  • For better or worse, even small amounts of adjuvants can have a significant effect on spray coverage. Always test spray coverage when using a new adjuvant in a tank mix.
  • Note how little of the droplet contacts a waxy leaf (above). This hydrophobic reaction between water and wax can be overcome using a non-ionic spreader. Similarly, note how the droplet gets hung up on the trichomes (hairs) on a leaf before it reaches the leaf surface (below). Again, a non-ionic spreader would reduce droplet surface tension allowing it to splash onto the leaf. Photo Credit – Dr. H. Zhu, Ohio.
  • This Turbomist has been outfitted with sensors that detect the presence of a canopy. Each eye corresponds to a boom section, turning the section on and off as required and improving efficiency. If it’s not there, why spray it?
  • This image shows the results of a sprayer calibration in a high-density Gala apple orchard. Water-sensitive paper was placed in the target tree in four positions and sprayed with the grower’s typical method of 660 L/ha using 18 nozzles. By making small adjustments to the spray distribution over the boom and adjusting driving speed and air handling, the spray operator achieved minimally acceptable coverage using 400 L/ha over 14 nozzles according to the Crop-Adapted Spraying method. It required adjustments over four passes before coverage was satisfactory.
  • Some sprayers, such as Rears, Turbomist, FMC or this Durand Wayland have an option for electronic ‘eyes’ that detect spray targets. The boom will shut off completely if there is a gap in the planting. This can save a great deal of wasted spray. It is less applicable in trellised plantings where it has been known to be “fooled” by wires and posts.
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Back to Top
  • Spray Basics
    • General Concepts
    • Nozzles and Droplets
    • Environmental Impacts
    • Rates and Calibration
    • Mixing and Handling
    • Pumps and Plumbing
    • Sanitation and Maintenance
  • Boom Sprayers
    • Calibration
    • Cleaning & Maintenance
    • Coverage
    • Directed & Air-Assist
    • Drift
    • Mixing
    • Nozzles & Droplets
    • General Operation
  • Speciality Sprayers
    • Calibration & Air Adjustment
    • Cleaning & Maintenance
    • Coverage
    • Drift
    • Mixing
    • Nozzles & Droplets
    • General Operation
  • Multimedia
    • Airblast 101 Handbook
    • Exploding Sprayer Myths
    • Micron Woman
    • Songs
    • Tips with Tom
  • Tables & Apps
    • OrchardMAX
    • Calculators & Applications
    • Lookup Tables