Spraying
Spraying agricultural chemicals is an effective way to control insects, diseases and weeds, and is important for growing high-yielding crops with quality fruit. It is important that any spraying that is undertaken is compliant and well planned.
In this section of the website, you can find resources on the following:
- Calibrating Boom Sprayers
- Orchard Sprayer Calibration and Application
- Managing Spray Drift
- Surface temperature inversions and spraying
- Spray Water Quality
Back to Main Pest & Disease Page
Calibrating Boom Sprayers:
Calibration is a technique to help you calculate how much water / chemical mix your sprayer puts out. Spray Sense describes how to calibrate boom sprayers with engine driven pumps.
Calibrating boom sprayers factsheet
Orchard Sprayer Calibration and Application:
In 2016, AMIA invited Dr David Manktelow to conduct a series of orchard sprayer calibration and application workshops.
David is one of the leading experts on both orchard sprayer calibration and application in tree and vine crops.
Two videos have been produced to allow growers who were unable to attend the workshops to see David present the key aspects of both calibration and application.
As many growers spend a lot of time on a tractor spraying, it is important that the spray equipment performance is maximised. It is also critical that the product is being applied correctly, safely and capture is maximised.
Due to the length of the presentations, two videos have been produced.
This first video focuses on equipment performance and calibration:
This second video focuses on application and the use of surfactants (wetters):
Managing Spray Drift:
Biosecurity SA have produced a checklist to help reduce spray drift and damage:
Bill Gordon Consulting was commissioned by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) to develop a presentation on spray application and spray drift management.
Surface Temperature Inversions and Spraying:
In cooling night conditions, airborne pesticides can concentrate near the surface and unpredictable winds can move droplets away from the target. Understanding weather conditions can help spray applicators avoid spray drift.
GRDC helps to explain the influence of surface temperature inversions on spray operations in a factsheet:
Spray Water Quality:
The quality of the water used for spraying operations can be critical to ensuring the best spray results for many farm chemicals. Many products can be affected by poor water quality.
When considering if the water quality is suitable for a particular product, you need to have accurate information about what may be present in the water that could affect the products you intend using. The starting point should always be an accurate water test from a reputable laboratory and a thorough check of the product label and technical information from the manufacturer.