Agricultural spraying is done to help prevent the loss of crops because of pests and weeds.
Another goal of this process is to prevent common diseases in plants.
It’s estimated that 20% to 40% of the crops around the world are lost to diseases and pests. This makes it clear why agricultural spraying is so essential.
However, to apply the necessary formulas to the crops and plants, the right agriculture sprayer must be found and used. With so many options, purchasing the right one can be challenging.
Keep reading for some tips and information about how to find the right sprayer for your needs.
Consider the Crop Being Sprayed
Regardless of whether you are growing sunflowers, cabbage, wheat, soybeans, or corn, the type of crop you grow will help determine the sprayer you want to use. The products used for crop protection differ because each crop has unique needs.
Also, various parts of the plant may need to be targeted based on the diseases or pests you need to prevent or eliminate. For example, apache sprayers are great options for some crops, but something different may be required for others.
Determining what you will be spraying will help you figure out what type of sprayer you need to purchase. Precision spraying is essential to get the desired pest and disease prevention benefits.
Machine Considerations
In some situations, sprayers will have an alternate use. One example is if you are searching for a larger sprayer unit and a tractor to handle other tasks.
In this case, it may be more affordable to choose that or a combination of equipment that will satisfy more than one job or purpose.
Today, you can two styles and options when buying agricultural sprayers. One is a low-volume sprayer, and the other is a hydraulic sprayer:
Low-Volume Agricultural Sprayers
A low-volume or LV sprayer is designed with a blower, compressor, and fan that injects the spray material into a high-speed stream of air.
With most low-volume sprayers, a smaller pump will inject the concentrated solution into this airstream. While speeds vary, you can find sprayers that have air streams that reach as much as 200 mph.
The droplet sizes for LV sprayers are smaller, which means you get better coverage while using less of your chemical or product.
Hydraulic Agricultural Sprayers
The hydraulic sprayer is designed with a pump, which provides the energy needed to spray material to the targeted crop. With this design, water is the carrier.
Hydraulic sprayer pumps can create pressure between 40 and 1000 psi.
Weather Conditions in Your Local Area
When you use an agricultural sprayer, the goal is to protect your crop and encourage new growth. However, you want to ensure you are only treating the needed area.
For several reasons, you may need to shield fields nearby.
Other factors you should consider include wind speed, moisture levels, and temperature. These things are going to impact how far the liquid will travel and total drying time.
Make sure to use an agriculture sprayer that distributes the chemicals in the right amounts for the precise uses you have intended. Also, when choosing a nozzle, consider the droplet size produced. The nozzle will also impact how quickly the liquid is dispensed.
Nozzle Considerations
While the nozzle was briefly covered above, it is important to know all the factors that you should consider when choosing a sprayer nozzle.
After all, the right nozzle will significantly impact the amount of liquid dispersed and the coverage you get:
Nozzle Control
The nozzle is the most affordable part of your agricultural sprayer. While this is true, they have a huge impact on performance.
The nozzle controls how the spray is dispersed to the plants. Be sure to look at the control options and if there are various settings so you can adjust the spray based on what you need.
Application Rate
The nozzle you use will also control the application rate. It will control the variability of the spray across the sprayer’s boom.
Also, the nozzle you choose impacts droplet size. This is going to affect spray drift and target coverage.
Job Being Done
The nozzle selected needs to be the right one for the job you have to do. You need a nozzle that can reduce spray drift while meeting the requirements of the liquid products you use.
Size of Area Being Sprayed
As you begin searching for the right agricultural sprayer, you will find the sizes vary just as much as the crops that are being sprayed.
Consider the size of your crop. You will find options ranging from smaller hand-held sprayers, backpack sprayers, and even three-point agricultural sprayers that you connect to the back of an ATV or tractor.
The size of your field and crop will determine what size option will work best for your needs.
Finding the Right Agriculture Sprayer for Your Needs
Finding the right agriculture sprayer may seem like a difficult and daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. When you know what to look for and the factors to consider, you can find a sprayer that will meet your needs at every turn.
Keep in mind that if you are like most people, the cost will be a factor in your decision. Just try to find affordable options that still offer quality results.
When making buying decisions, having helpful information is a must. If you need other resources to help with more buying decisions or information on other topics like the environment and water management, be sure to check out our other blogs.
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