Sprayer calibration

In order to spray correctly, good sprayer calibration must be carried out. Considering accurate spraying will prevent potential crop damage and accidental contamination.

To carry out the checks, fill the tank with running water.

The first steps for accurate spraying is to have a sprayer in good condition, the basic functionalities of the equipment must be checked. These checks can be carried out under running water.

• Correct operation of the float
• Correct operation of the agitator
• All nozzles should be of the same type and if any show damage or uneven spray, they should be replaced. Ensure that the boom is at the same height from the ground throughout its travel.
  • Place a calibrated container under the nozzle and time one minute of water collection. Average the nozzles and the outputs should be within 10% above or below the average.

• Tests the time required to travel 30 metres at the desired pressure during a real spraying operation. Repeat the process several times with the desired gear and the desired pressure.
• After setting the speed and working pressure, a volume test is performed again for the same time it took to travel the 30 metres and the same check as the first nozzle calibration is performed.
• The application ratio is established according to the following formula.
  

• To find out the area that can be treated with a tank, the tank capacity is divided by the application rate. Dividing the result by 10,000 gives the result in hectares.

These checks are essential for quality and responsible spraying.