Education For Environmental Responsibility

Field and Row Crop Sprayers

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Applying crop protection products carries important responsibilities, not only for doing the best job possible to control insects, weeds and diseases, but for limiting potential off-target impacts of an application. And today, more than ever, public pressure and regulatory scrutiny often must be dealt with if mistakes are made.

When a spray application moves off target or drifts, the implications can go beyond just wasting costly crop protection products. The marketability of neighboring crops can be affected should illegal residues be found on the crop. Or the crop could be physically damaged by the drift.

Off-target movement can also impact wildlife when crop protection products drift onto nearby habitat or waterways. The ability to detect products in streams and rivers at parts per trillion levels leaves little room for error. To prevent problems, equipment operators must take extra care when spraying near sensitive areas and bodies of water.

Doing the best job possible takes a thorough understanding of the principles of application stewardship:

• Set up spray equipment with the best nozzles and control systems, and regularly check the calibration of the equipment.
• Make sure you have a clear understanding of the field being sprayed, the expected weather conditions, and the environment surrounding the field. That includes sensitive crops, residences, or anything that can be harmed by accidental drift.
• Understand that what you are doing can have wide-reaching implications if mistakes are made. Ultimately, it's the applicator's responsibility.

Finally, read and follow your sprayer owners manual, the single most important source of information for operating and maintaining equipment.

If you have questions about an application, contact your Pest Control Advisor, local Farm Advisor, or Cooperative Extension Specialist.

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