Sprayer Calibration

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Farmers today are so efficient with their spray applications. In some cases they are using a fraction of an ounce of application to cover a land area. To do this effectively though, a sprayer must be properly calibrated.

David Russell is an extension weed specialist with Auburn University and the Alabama Extension Service. He created a short guide to help simplify sprayer calibration.

Russell… “Whether it's weed management or insect pest management, it's really important that sprayers be calibrated so that the operator knows exactly how much is going out over how big of an area that product is being applied. Because the last thing they want to do is after purchasing, in some cases, really expensive products. Is to misapply that in a way that they will have off-target injury or will need to come back a second time because the first time was misapplied. So if not done correctly, that could cost some extra time and money there.”

The guide, entitled “Sprayer Calibration Made Simple”, can be found on the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service website. It includes helpful tips, such as checking lines/hoses/pumps, removing and cleaning strainers, making sure everything in good working order, and making sure you have the right equipment for a good calibration.