GRAIN growers planning to spray paddocks for control of weeds, diseases and pests in 2017 and beyond are being supported in their spray application efforts with the very latest best practice advice and guidance.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has just released a Spray Application Manual for Grain Growers. CLICK HERE to view the comprehensive digital publication.
The manual – the latest offering from the GRDC’s stable of GrowNotes publications – provides information on how various spraying systems and components work, along with those factors that the operator should consider to ensure the sprayer is operating to its full potential.
GRDC managing director Dr Steve Jefferies says spray application is an integral activity in modern grain farming systems and one that necessitates careful planning, preparation and implementation.
“The control of weeds, diseases and pests in a timely manner, while minimising risks to the environment, requires that the spray operator has a good understanding of all the components that can influence the outcome of each spray job,” Dr Jefferies said.
“This new manual focuses on issues that will assist in maintaining the accuracy of the sprayer output while improving the efficiency and safety of spraying operations. It contains many useful tips which will no doubt be well received by growers and operators.”
The manual includes practical information – backed by science – on sprayer set-up, including self-propelled sprayers, new tools for determining sprayer outputs, advice for assessing spray coverage in the field, improving droplet capture by the target, drift-reducing equipment and techniques, the effects of adjuvant and nozzle type on drift potential, and surface temperature inversion research.
The manual comprises 23 modules and each of these features a series of videos to deliver advice to growers and spray operators in a visual, easy-to-digest manner.
Spray application expert Bill Gordon is the editor and lead author of the manual.
Mr Gordon is highly respected for his work in spray application and drift management in Australia over more than 20 years. He has delivered projects on behalf of the GRDC and other industry groups that have provided training on spraying best practice to more than 10,000 Australian grain growers.
Several other key industry players, from throughout Australia and overseas and with decades of experience in various aspects of spray application, have also contributed to production of the manual.
Dr Jefferies said the GRDC was continuing to invest in making tools and resources available to growers to assist with their important spraying decisions.
