1. Precision Spraying
Presented by; Derek Oyster

2. Definition of Precision Spraying
Using modern technology to aid in the control of weeds pests and diseases.

3. History of Weed Control.
Weed control can be dated back to sometime before 1500 A.D
However weed control was mostly incidental, it was only a bi-product from tillage which was mainly used for seed bed preparation.

4. History cont.
However throughout history there are occasional mentions of the use of inorganic substances used for weed control dating back to before 1900.
State weed laws directed toward plant diseases were enacted around 1766

5. Information
Most people when they thing of spraying think of weed control. However the use of your sprayer is not only limited to weeds it is also use for the application of
Fungicides
Pesticides
Fertilizers
and mixes

6. Types of Applicators
Boom less: Used for spraying around pond dams, trees and other small confined areas where it would be hard to get a larger sprayer in.

7. Types of Applicators
Boom sprayers: Used to cover large areas of ground fast and economically.(most popular)

8. Types of Applicators
Airplane. Used to cover large areas, or used when fields are in-accessable due to rain. Drift is a major concern when this type of applicator is used.

9. Types of Applicators
Saddle and three-point applicators. These are attached directly to the tractor, most of the time they are pretty reasonable. A major advantage to these is that they help to minimize the tracts left in the field. However the footprints left by the tractor will be larger (deeper) due to the extra weight on the tractor.

10. Types of Applicators
Fertilizer applicators on drills: This is used during the planting season to apply your fertilizer (or some other prepared mix) to your seed during planting for faster emergence. This can be applied directly to the seed, laid in the trench with the seed or placed by the seed depending how the system is set up.

11. Types Of Applicators
Hand Held: This is used by poor college students who need to make money during the spring and summer months. These are cheap and very effective ways to cover small areas or spot spray.

12. Types of Pumps
Low pressure pumps are typically used for smaller applications ranging from 20 to 60 psi.
Most low pressure sprayers use either a roller or a centrifugal pump . And can be powered by pto, live hydraulics off of the tractor or ground driven.
Most lower pressure pumps are relatively inexpensive and mostly apply in small quantities.
However due to their low psi they will not adequately penetrate dense foliage.

13. Types of Pumps
Piston pumps: These are the pumps that are used to power the larger applicators, capable of pressures up to several hundred psi.
These pumps have the power to reach through heavy brush.
However due to the heavy construction and the types of materials they are made out of they are very costly and expensive to fix.

14. Types of Pumps
Air Blast Sprayers: A fan is used to push the pesticides through a series of nozzles which atomizes the droplets into the proper size and another blast of air delivers the droplet to the intended target.
The droplets can be carried up to 40 feet depending on the size of the fan.
These are very expensive machines and since air is the main carrier it must be sprayed on a calm day.

15. Ground Driven Pumps
Hose Pump: This consists of a group of rollers on a wheel with a hose that is stretched across it. As it is driven forward the ground wheel pushes a fixed amount of fluid through the hose. Flow from the pump cannot be changed.
Variable Stroke Piston Pumps: The length of the piston stroke can be changed to achieve the desired application rate. Increasing the stroke increases the flow and decreasing the stroke will decrease the flow. The advantages to this is that when the stroke is selected it will stay the same whether you are driving 1 or 10 mph. This is important when spraying over rough ground, terraces or even while turning.

16. Types of Nozzles
Brass - probably the most commonly used, least resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive.
Nylon - used for non-abrasive formulations, inexpensive and corrosion-resistant. Not recommended for high pressure.
Plastic (polymer) - can be used for corrosive chemicals. Different grades of plastic available with the more expensive grades showing good wear resistance.
Stainless steel - non-corrosive, excellent wear resistance and relatively expensive.
Hardened stainless steel - very durable and useful for highly abrasive formulations.
Ceramic - most durable tip for highly abrasive and/or corrosive chemicals.

17. Precision Guidance
The Raven controller seems to be the most popular controller on the market. It will tell you:
Total Volume Applied
Total Area Worked
Field Volume Applied
Field Area
Vehicle Speed
Distance Traveled
Area Worked Per Hour
Volume Applied Per Minute
Volume Left in Tank
Time
And depending on the model can control up to a 7 section boom

18. Benefits of Precision Spraying
Once you have the system figured out, you have less operator input.
Better use of chemicals and time.
Monitor of sprayer and rates that will in turn insure a better application of chemicals.
Able to cover more ground because you can shut sections of the boom off and you can see what you have already covered.