This NebGuide discusses guidelines to quickly evaluate the performance of a sprayer. Sprayer calibration, nozzle discharge and speed checks are evaluated with minimal calculations. Proper calibration to ensure accurate application must be a primary management consideration for both farmers and custom applicators. Application equipment users also should know proper application methods, chemical effects on equipment and correct cleaning and storage procedures of liquid sprayers. Properly applied pesticides are expected to return a profit.
Inaccurate application can be expensive.
Pre-season visual checks of application equipment are not adequate for accurate application, nor is the fact that the equipment and nozzle tips are new. A recent Nebraska survey found only one of three sprayer operators applying pesticides within five percent of their estimated rate. This survey illustrates that sprayers must be checked to ensure that all nozzles have the correct discharge rate, and are applying pesticides uniformly and at the correct pesticide rate. Manufacturer's catalogs are guidelines, but fine-tuning a sprayer is the operator's responsibility. Sprayers should be calibrated every time a different pesticide is applied.