![]() Conversely, lower travel speeds will increase the amount of spray delivered higher speeds will decrease it. Lowering the spray pressure will reduce the spray delivered higher pressure means more spray is delivered. Or you can change nozzles if the application error is too great. So if the actual application rate is between 19 to 21 gal./acre, you've achieved the proper rate,” Ozkan says.Ĭhanging pressure or travel speed are two ways you can reduce application error. “For example, if your goal is to spray 20 gal./acre, the error margin is 1 gal./acre. If the difference is greater than plus or minus 5% of the intended rate, you'll need to do some adjusting. Next, compare the actual application rate (collected from the nozzles) with the intended application rate. Therefore, the ounces from each nozzle will equal your gallons-per-acre application rate. The distance measured in step two is 1/128 acre for your sprayer size. The ounces captured per nozzle equals the gallons-per-acre application rate. Once satisfied with the output of all the nozzles, calculate the average flow rate of the nozzles in ounces. However, if any one nozzle's output deviates from the manufacturers' guidelines (found in their catalog) by more than 10%, the nozzle should be replaced. If one is considerably lower, check to see if it's plugged.Ī gentle cleaning with a small brush may be enough to unplug the nozzle. Once you've taken measurements from all the nozzles, compare the output from each nozzle with all the others. “For a more accurate measurement, take the reading from a flat surface at eye level.” “Record from the top of the liquid excluding the foam,” says Ozkan. Step 5: Allow the foam to settle and then record the measurement from each nozzle. “Collecting samples from each nozzle is one way we can determine if our actual gallon-per-acre rate is the same as our intended rate.” “This is an integral part of any calibration method,” says Ozkan. Step 4: With the sprayer parked, catch the output from each nozzle in a container marked in ounces for the same number of seconds it took to drive in step three. I time myself in both directions several times and average them out.” “Getting an accurate travel speed by yourself is the toughest part of calibration. “One time just won't do it,” says Tom Weiler, a farmer from Cardington, OH. Repeat this step and average the times to get a more accurate calibration. The timing needs to be precise or your calibrations will be off, he notes. ![]() It's important you time the sprayer at your intended application speed, starting and stopping the stopwatch as the same point on the sprayer crosses each flag, says Ozkan. Step 3: Time the distance between flags with a stopwatch. A tape measure capable of measuring farther than 200 ft. Step 2: Mark the distance with flags, between fence posts or other easily identifiable sign. Use this measurement to find the appropriate distance to time your travel speed using the chart above. While filling, measure the distance between two nozzles. Step 1: Fill your tank at least half-full of water to simulate field conditions. Here is a common and simple calibration method, says Ozkan. There are several ways to calibrate a sprayer, but they all require three types of measurements: travel speed, nozzle output and distance between nozzles. “If we put on all new nozzles to spray for rust, we need to calibrate to make sure we're putting on the correct amount right from the start.” ![]() “If you change speed, nozzles, pressure or the tractor, any of those factors will change the application rate,” he says. Ozkan says with concerns about multiple sprays for Asian soybean rust, and anticipated insect pressures, spraying and sprayer calibration has become more important to the bottom line than ever. By making adjustments as they go, it's taking them the first tank load to become efficient - that's a costly mistake.” “But if they're not calibrating before they start, they're getting there by trial and error. “Farmers do a pretty good job of applying the right amount of product eventually,” he says. Inaccurate sprayer settings could be costing you big bucks in chemical costs - up to $2/acre/application, according to Erdal Ozkan, agricultural engineer for The Ohio State University (OSU).įarmers can't afford to make costly errors, says Ozkan.
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