Answers to some common questions
Investigations underway at the AgTech Centre, as well as at other institutions across North America and around the world, continue to improve sprayer technology and address producer concerns along the way.
Shroud/ venturi combination
Producers are wondering what to do with the shrouds now that they’ve switched to venturi nozzles, says Storozynsky. "A lot of farmers are taking the shrouds off and using the low drift and the venturi tips to reduce drift," he says. "However, if farmers don’t mind putting up with the hassle, we think the combination of a shroud and a venturi tip could basically eliminate drift." Storozynsky and colleagues at the AgTech Centre are investigating the potential of this combination and information will soon be available to producers.
GPS technology to replace foam markers
For harvest, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are the number one tool right now, says Storozynsky. However, GPS is not yet as popular for spraying because the technology is still being fine- tuned. "Today, GPS is seen mainly on custom sprayers, although some farmers are slowly getting into it," says Storozynsky. "It has the potential to be a powerful tool as a field guide to show where and how much of the field has been sprayed. The technology is just getting accurate enough to be useful."
Foam markers are still a viable alternative to GPS, says Storozynsky. "Although there are several makes and models, years of testing sprayer foam markers show there are only two types. Premixed models and models where the foam concentrate and water need to be added and mixed." Performance of foam markers within the two types is similar, but foam quality and durability are different, he says.
With foam markers requiring mixing, the foam lasts up to two hours in cool and cloudy conditions, but less than 10 minutes in hot, dry conditions, he explains. "The foam is dispensed randomly, although some control in mark size and intervals are possible with some models. Relatively economical, these foam markers cost only about five to ten cents per acre."
Premixed foam markers are simple in construction and foam quality is consistent, lasting up to two hours in hot weather and more than eight hours in cool weather. "The size of a mark and marking interval is controlled precisely. The cost of premixed foam markers varies from 20 to 50 cents an acre, depending on mark settings."
With both types of foam markers, soil and canopy temperatures determine how long the foam will last, Storozynsky explains. Soil temperatures above 40 C, makes the foam disappear rapidly.
The rate debate: AgTech investigates #1 farmer question
How much to reduce chemical rates is the question that Storozynsky is asked again and again by farmers. New research underway at the Centre may soon supply some answers.
Unfortunately, for now there are no easy answers. "Reducing rates is the number one question because farmers see that as one of the few ways they can make a buck these days."
The challenge is that the question forces Storozynsky to favour either the chemical label rates determined by the chemical companies, or new technology such as the air assisted and electrostatic sprayers that promise to reduce chemical rates. "There are no easy answers to the debate," he says.
Farmers are doing their homework
In 1975, farmers had to keep only four numbers in mind-- 8002, 5, 40 and 10-- an 8002 nozzle, going 5 mph, with spray pressure at 40 psi, to put on 10 gpa.
"This is what farmers have lived by for 30 years," says Storozynsky. "Now we’re telling them to be more flexible. They’re faced with different sprayers, nozzles, pressures and different rates." Many of Storozynsky’s calls are from farmers trying to decipher all of the information being thrown at them. "Most farmers are doing their homework, and it’s essential they continue. Staying up- to- date and calculating application rates accurately are key to getting full value from today’s sprayer technology," he emphasizes.
"I think a lot of farmers have done their homework and they know what they’re doing. When they call, they just want confirmation and assurance," he says. |