The agricultural spraying is a strategic step for crop field management in Precision Agriculture, with a direct impact on the yield and health of the crop plants.
So that the chemicals works properly, be sure the application is precise, homogeneous, and efficient.
in this article, we gathered the main factors that influence on the spraying and the recommended techniques to get better results in the field.
Why is spraying efficiency so important?
Spraying aims to apply the correct amount of chemicals to the biological target, avoiding waste and reducing environment impacts.
Poor applications not only increase the operation costs, but reduce the pest control and pathogens, affecting the crop field yield.
Spraying applications analysed by Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) show that a significant portion of the applied droplets in high-volume spraying applications don’t reach the target, but drop down to the soil. As a consequence, reducing the application efficiency and increasing the risks of contamination.
Eight techniques to boost the agricultural spraying efficiency
Well-equipped agricultural machines are crucial, but themselves don’t ensure a quality spraying.
To prevent application failures and make sure of the best usage of the chemicals, you need to be alert to technical details, adjustments, and operation conditions.
Check out eight essential practices for a higher spraying efficiency in the crop field:
1- Calibrate the sprayer before each application
The calibration is the starting point for an efficient spraying. Before entering the crop field, the operator should adjust the flow, the travelling speed, and the system pressure according to the metering recommended by the agronomist engineer.
A machine that is poorly calibrated applies less product that the required or waste chemicals — jeopardizing efficiency and operating costs.
2- Have a preventive agricultural machine maintenance performed
The spray nozzles, filters, hoses, and the pressure system should be in good conditions. Worn-out spray nozzles change the spraying pattern and impair the coverage uniformity.
The preventive change avoids operating failures and makes sure the machine operates with precision in all the crop field areas.
3- Keep the spray boom stable and at the right height
The spray boom height directly influences on the droplet formation and application. When the spray boom is too high, there’s the drift risk. When the spray boom is too low, it impairs the application uniformity.
The correct levelling of the spray boom and the stability control help to keep a homogeneous application, even on bumpy terrains.
4- Choose the perfect spray nozzles for each chemical
Each spray nozzle type creates a specific spectrum of droplets. Fine droplets deliver higher coverage, but evaporate easily. Coarse droplets, on the other hand, deliver less penetration.
The nozzle type should be compatible with the product used, the biological target and weather conditions. This choice directly influences on the application efficiency and operator’s safety.
5- Always consult an agronomist engineer to set the metering
The metering recommendation should be set by an expert professional, based on the crop, stage of the crop plant, and soil characteristics.
Then, it’s up to the operator to set up the agricultural machine correctly to reach the recommended rate in kg/ha or L/ha.
6- Be aware of the weather conditions when applying
The application efficiency depends upon the weather too. Relative air humidity below 55% speeds up the chemical solution evaporation, while winds above 10 km/h increase the drift action.
The application should be carried out in proper times of the day — preferably early in the morning or in the end of the afternoon — when the humidity is above 60% and the wind is below 8 km/h.
7- Adjust the application volume according to the target
High volume generates big droplets, which slide through the leaves, wasting the product.
The ideal volume varies according to the crop density and chemical type, which should be set during the sprayer calibration.
8- Check the agricultural cleaning and adjustments
Components such as spray nozzles, spray booms, filters, and valves should be cleaned and well-adjusted.
Clogged filters or nozzles change the spraying pattern, creating ranges with overlap. Keeping the system under good conditions is crucial to ensure a precision and uniformity in the entire area.
Self-propelled sprayers: the advantages of counting on technology
The self-propelled sprayer, like the Stara Imperador, is an ally in agricultural efficiency. Its ground clearance lifting allows applications when the corn is in the tasselling stage, resulting in less crop plant damage.
Additionally, its great autonomy, integrated control system, and exclusive technologies boost the application precision even in wide areas.
Stara provides technology solutions that increase the precision and automation in spraying applications. Some highlights:
- The Nozzle-by-Nozzle Control System, which avoids overlap and saves chemicals;
- The Topper agricultural controller that features the Follow-me resource. The feature guides the operator during the calibration and adjusts the application parameters automatically;
- The Twin Row Spraying System that allows applications with a wide operating speed range to increase the operating yield. These rows can operate either alternated or together;
- The Continuous Recirculating System, which keeps the chemical solution constantly moving inside the tank and piping system.
Conclusion
An efficient agricultural spraying relies on a set of best practices, proper operation conditions and the smart usage of the technology.
Thanks to the Stara self-propelled machines, the farmer can count on innovation, automation, and support to perform more uniform, sustainable, and productive applications.
Did you like the hints and want to find out the agricultural machine that best suits your crop field?
Stop by a Stara dealer and find the most suitable equipment to boost your crop production. Request a quotation.
