Spray nozzle selection apps and an updated herbicide classification chart are now available to help producers with their input selections.
Choosing the right nozzle is important for effective pesticide applications with agricultural sprayers as it determines the amount of liquid per unit area and the size of the spray droplets, explains Auburn University biosystems engineering Extension specialist Simerjeet Virk. Applying the correct application rate and desired droplet size is essential for achieving adequate spray coverage on the target surface, maintaining the uniformity of application and minimizing the risk of spray particle drift.
Achieve Coverage And Uniformity, Reduce Drift
Virk says the two main considerations when selecting the best nozzle for an application are nozzle type and size.
“Spray nozzles come in different types and sizes based on the broader range of pesticide and liquid fertilizer applications performed in agriculture. Most nozzle manufacturers have catalogs with detailed tables and charts to assist applicators in selecting spray nozzles. These catalogs are useful tools, but the process can still be overwhelming,” he says. “Most of these nozzle selection catalogs contain limited information with only a selected combination of application parameters such as application rate, ground speed, nozzle spacing, etc., and may not be useful in cases of a specific sprayer setup or application scenario.”
Fortunately, Virk says several mobile applications are available from nozzle or sprayer manufacturers that are useful for nozzle selection based on their specific set of parameters. “Compared to nozzle catalogs, these apps are user friendly and expedite the nozzle selection process. They usually have no subscription fees and are available for download on iOS and Android devices,” he says.” Several of these apps are also available as online calculators or tools that can be accessed and used on any device with internet and web-browsing capabilities.”
Updated Herbicide Classification Chart
University of Georgia weed specialist Eric Prostko recently highlighted an updated herbicide classification chart from the Take Action Pesticide-Resistance Management Program. The chart has two sections, including a color-coded mode of action/site of action chart and pre-mix herbicide product chart. Prostko says it is very good reference material to have in your office or truck.
“Take Action is a farmer-focused educational platform designed to help farmers manage herbicide, fungicide and insect resistance,” Prostko says. “Take Action started with industry-wide collaborative discussions about the growing threat of herbicide-resistant weeds. Parties included representatives from major ag chemical companies, land-grant university weed scientists and soybean/corn/cotton/sorghum/wheat commodity groups.”
A copy of the herbicide classification chart can be downloaded from the Take Action Pesticide-Resistance Management Program website at https://iwilltakeaction.com/resources/herbicide-classification-chart/.
Resource development for Take Action on Weeds is funded through a United Soybean Board grant.
Maintain Target Rate Or Droplet Size
Regarding functionality, Virk says most of these apps use the same application-related information — target rate, nozzle spacing, ground speed, desired droplet size — to provide nozzle options that are best suited for the intended application. A few apps also provide specific nozzle recommendations based on the pesticide type and mode of action.
“To best use this information for nozzle selection, choose the app specific to your nozzle or sprayer brand, if available, as that will most likely be the best choice and would have all the nozzle type and size options for that brand,” he says. “When selecting the best nozzle from the options suggested by the app, consider the one that can maintain the target rate for sprayers equipped with a rate controller or droplet size for sprayers with pulse width modulation (PWM) technology across a wide range of ground speeds and application conditions.
For more information and a list with links to the apps, go to https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/crop-production/mobile-apps-for-spray-nozzle-selection/. PG
