Welcome to Scottish Quality Crops and Ringlink Services Ltd Sprayer Operator Course 2019/20
INTRODUCTION
Workbook Page 5
Housekeeping
Programme • • • • • •
Introduction Current Issues Water Conditioning Sprayer Maintenance Technology and Top-Tips Review and Reflection
Introductory Quiz
1. What was the title of last year’s course? a) b) c) d)
Check, Protect, Reflect. Sprayer Care and Technology. Pedestrian, Protection & Pellets. Sprayers, Water, Application & Tips.
2. Waste packaging arising from pesticide application should be stored a) b) c) d)
securely inside the pesticide store. securely in a separate undercover area. outside in an uncovered waste skip. outside in a designated waste pile.
3. HSE guidance is that a pesticide store bund (in normal circumstances) should be capable of retaining a minimum of a) b) c) d)
90% of the total volume stored. 100% of the total volume stored. 110% of the total volume stored. 120% of the total volume stored.
4. The OSR herbicides that are most frequently being detected in water are a) diflufenican, flufenacet, triallate, prosulfocarb and pendimethalin. b) metazachlor, propyzamide, carbetamide, quinmerac and clopyralid. c) metazachlor, propyzamide, carbetamide, clomazone and flufenacet. d) triallate, prosulfocarb, pendimethalin, quinmerac and clopyralid.
5. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is said to deliver a more consistent application than using a nozzle switching system because a) it avoids the changes in pressure that occur when one nozzle reaches its limits and the next is selected. b) it works at a higher pressure than a conventional system. c) it works at a lower pressure than a conventional system. d) it enables the application to be carried out at higher forward speeds.
Previous annual training events Activity (Page 7) What have you carried out differently at work, based on subjects covered in previous annual training events? Have you… • engaged with a member of the public? • improved your pesticide storage facility? • received a demonstration of PWM? • signed up to BeeConnected?
Launch of top-tips activity Activity (Page 7) At the end of the Technology and Top-Tips section we are going to look at a selection of top-tips provided by the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) finalists. Throughout todays training event please record any top-tips that may benefit other operators. Please share at the end of the session.
CURRENT ISSUES
Workbook Page 9
Current Issues Within this section we will cover: • Codes of Practice and Legislation. • Integrated Pest Management. • Products/active substances update. • Reduced volume applications. • BeeConnected update. • National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.
Current Issues Within this section we will cover: • Safety when working near power lines. • Are you qualified? • Pesticides Forum – annual report. • Local/specific issues relevant to you.
What’s in the news? Activity (Page 10) What pesticide related items have been in the news in the last year that have affected you, as a sprayer operator? Make a list in your workbook.
Codes of Practice and Legislation
Codes of Practice and Legislation The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 came into force on 18 July 2012, replacing the previous UK legislation governing the use of pesticides. This is a statutory instrument and must be complied with.
Codes of Practice and Legislation The code gives advice on how to use pesticides safely, if you follow it’s advice you will be doing enough to keep within the law. If you are prosecuted for not following the code, a court will find you guilty unless you can show that you have obeyed the law in some other way.
Codes of Practice and Legislation Activity (Page 12) In your workbook you will find 6 short answer questions. Please discuss with the person sat next to you and record your answers in your workbook.
Codes of Practice and Legislation 1. When filling equipment, what is the maximum recommended height for lifting pesticide containers? Answer: Shoulder height
Codes of Practice and Legislation 2. List three things that the Code of Practice states are dangerous practices (for the operator) when pesticides are being used: Answers may include: Smoking, drinking, suck or blow through any part of the application equipment, go to the toilet, continue to work after being contaminated.
Codes of Practice and Legislation 3. What are the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements when handling a liquid concentrate? Answer: Face-shield, Hood, Coverall, Gloves and Boots.
Codes of Practice and Legislation 4. What do EN numbers on an item of RPE (respiratory protective equipment) indicate? Answer: Its suitability for a particular situation.
Codes of Practice and Legislation 5. What does a coverall that is labelled as both Type 5 and Type 6 provide protection from? Answer: Solid particles and splashes of liquid.
Codes of Practice and Legislation 6. On most product labels the following statement appears: ‘however, engineering controls may replace PPE if a COSHH assessment shows they offer an equal or higher standard of protection.’ What might constitute an Engineering Control? Answers may include: Closed transfer systems, cab filters.
Integrated Pest Management What is your involvement in IPM on the farm? The 25 year DEFRA environment plan states “for too long, IPM has simply been viewed as good practice for farmers to do voluntarily�.
Integrated Pest Management Record Keeping With more emphasis being placed on how we, as individuals/businesses, demonstrate that IPM is being carried out, going-forward there may be a need to look at implementing records of decision making.
Integrated Pest Management Notes on a field plan could be used.
Integrated Pest Management Activity (Page 13) List other possible methods of recording IPM decision making. Discuss in small groups and make notes in your workbook. Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌..
Integrated Pest Management IPM Training/Certification. At an agronomy level, BASIS courses/awards include reference to IPM practices. The awards are now titled with reference to IPM, e.g. BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection IPM.
Integrated Pest Management If you wish to develop your knowledge further: LEAF offer the LEAF BASIS ‘Introduction to IFM’ and LEAF Marque training.
City & Guilds offer the Level 3 Award in Responsible Pesticide Management.
Products/active substances update
Products/active substances update Glyphosate The current EU licence for glyphosate expires on 15 December 2022. A meeting of EU member state representatives in April decided on how an application for the reauthorisation of the active substance will be dealt with in the coming years.
Products/active substances update Glyphosate Representatives endorsed a commission proposal for the relevant authorities of four member states to review the application to reauthorise glyphosate in the EU when it is forthcoming: France, Hungary, The Netherlands and Sweden
Products/active substances update Glyphosate The decision states that the regulatory authorities of these countries must “endeavour to reach consensus during the evaluation.�
Products/active substances update Chlorothalonil This highly effective multi-site fungicide that has been used across the world for over 50 years, has been banned by the European Union. Key dates: • Authorisation end date: 20th Nov 2019 • ‘Use up’ end date: 20th May 2020
Products/active substances update Chlorothalonil Due to its multiple modes of action, chlorothalonil plays a vital strategic role underpinning control and resistance management of fungal diseases in UK crops. As a consequence there will be a significant increase in the risk of rapid development of resistance to other fungicides.
Products/active substances update Metaldehyde ***UPDATE*** July 2019 The legality of the ban was challenged and has been declared unlawful. Metaldehyde is back on the market and the sellout and use-up periods no longer apply.
Products/active substances update Activity (Page 16) What methods of slug control could you adopt instead of metaldehyde? Make a list in your workbook. Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌
Products/active substances update Chlorpropham (CIPC) CIPC is being withdrawn in Europe on 8th January 2020 with a short use-up period to follow. Dates TBC. CIPC is widely used as a sprout suppressing agrochemical applied to stored potatoes.
Store residue issues?
Products/active substances update Ethoprophos Ethoprophos, the active substance in Mocap 15G, has been banned by the European Commission. Key dates: • Authorisation end date: 21st Sep 2019 • ‘Use up’ end date: 31st Dec 2019
Products/active substances update Packaging Operators need to be very aware that quite different products often come in similarly labelled cans. There is a need for vigilance when mixing and handling. The consequences of selecting the incorrect product are likely to be very costly!
Products/active substances update Some current examples as follows:
Products/active substances update
These issues are being fed back to the manufacturers but it is a very slow job to change global branding.
Reduced volume applications What is a Reduced Volume Application? It is when the concentrated product is applied with a lower volume of water than the product label recommends for the dose stated.
Reduced volume applications What are the risks associated with Reduced Volume Spraying? • Smaller droplet size (finer spray quality). • Increased drift potential. • A more concentrated solution, possible increased risks to people and the environment.
Reduced volume applications If a label gave the following recommendation:
Dose Rate 3 l/ha
Water Volume 150-250 l/ha
Applying 3 l/ha in 100 l/ha would be a ‘Reduced Volume Application’ Applying 2 l/ha in 100 l/ha would not be a ‘Reduced Volume Application’
Reduced volume applications How can we tell if we are allowed to make a ‘Reduced Volume Application’? With reference to the product label or relevant notice of approval. The following situations would mean that a ‘Reduced Volume Application’ could not be made…
Reduced volume applications If it states that there is a minimum application volume, e.g. Dose Rate
Water Volume
3 l/ha
Apply in a minimum of 200 l/ha
Reduced volume applications If there is a requirement to use PPE when the product is applied.
Reduced volume applications If any of the following statements, or associated hazard symbols appear on the product information:
’Risk of serious damage to eyes’ or ‘Corrosive’
Reduced volume applications If any of the following statements, or associated hazard symbols appear on the product information:
’Toxic’ or ‘Very Toxic’
Reduced volume applications If you are able and choose to make a ‘Reduced Volume Application’, you must comply with the following: 1. The ‘reduced volume’ must not be greater than 10 times the maximum concentration stated on product information. 2. Spray quality must be no finer than a ‘fine’ droplet.
Reduced volume applications 3. Risk to human health and the environment must be assessed and adequately controlled. 4. All conditions of the product approval must be observed. 5. Comply with PPE requirements as in Annex E of the current Code of Practice.
Reduced volume applications A common ‘Reduced Volume Application’ which has label approval on many glyphosate products is use through a weed wiper or by stem injection equipment.
Reduced volume applications Activity (Page 20) Your presenter will give you some product label information. Please complete the tables in your workbook.
Reduced volume applications Product 1: Maximum Dose Rate: 2 litres/ha Apply in 100 to 300 litres of water per hectare. PPE required when dilute.
Reduced volume applications Product 1: Maximum application rate at the following water volumes: 80 l/ha
100 l/ha
150 l/ha
200 l/ha
1.60 l/ha
2.00 l/ha
2.00 l/ha
2.00 l/ha
Reduced volume applications Product 2: Maximum Dose Rate: 2 litres/ha Water Volume: Apply in 200 to 400 litres of water per hectare.
Reduced volume applications Product 2: Maximum application rate at the following water volumes: 80 l/ha
100 l/ha
150 l/ha
200 l/ha
0.80 l/ha
1.00 l/ha
1.50 l/ha
2.00 l/ha
Reduced volume applications Product 3: Maximum Dose Rate: 4 litres/ha Water Volume: Apply in 100 to 250 litres of water per hectare.
Reduced volume applications Product 3: Maximum application rate at the following water volumes: 80 l/ha
100 l/ha
150 l/ha
200 l/ha
4.00 l/ha
4.00 l/ha
4.00 l/ha
4.00 l/ha
BeeConnected In excess of 2900 user registrations
The site is designed to provide notification of planned insecticide applications.
BeeConnected Beekeepers
June 2018 June 2019
Number of hives registered:
3010
3517
Beekeepers registered:
1839
2141
Number of fields registered:
1404
5392
Farmers/managers registered:
587
788
Farmers/Growers
Information correct as of 1st June 2019
National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update. The following pie charts provide information on NSTS inspections for 2016, 2017 and 2018‌.
National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update. 2016 No faults = 46.0 % 1 fault = 18.6 % 2 faults = 12.8 % 3+ faults = 22.6 %
National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update. 2017 No faults = 50.0 % 1 fault = 34.0 % 2 faults = 12.0 % 3+ faults = 4.0 %
National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update. 2018 No faults = 53.0 % 1 fault = 18.0 % 2 faults = 12.0 % 3+ faults = 17.0 %
National Sprayer Testing Scheme Activity (Page 24) Please complete the table in your workbook showing the 10 most common faults found in 2018.
Feedback: Your suggestions please‌
National Sprayer Testing Scheme Ranking 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Test Item DCV Free from leaks - spraying Free from leaks - static Nozzles-condition/output Contents gauge Hose condition Induction system leaks Pressure gauge accuracy Boom not straight Free from leaks-not spraying
Safety when working near power lines On average two people are killed and many more are injured every year when they come into contact with overhead power lines (OHPLs) during agricultural work. Contact with them can result in death by electrocution or serious injuries such as burns.
Safety when working near power lines Electricity can also ‘arc’, so you do not necessarily have to make contact with electrical equipment to get a serious or fatal shock. Knowing the voltage of the power line, the height of your machine and being aware of summer time sag in cables is important.
Safety when working near power lines Live Zone This is the zone around an exposed live circuit conductor or supporting insulators where there is danger of burn or electric shock if any part of a persons body or non insulated tool they are using enters the zone.
Safety when working near power lines Live Zones: • 11kV = 0.8m • 33kV = 0.8m • 66kV = 1.0m • 132kV = 1.4m • 275kV = 2.4m • 400kV = 3.1m
Safety when working near power lines
Safety when working near power lines
Safety when working near power lines
Safety when working near power lines Activity (Page 25) Working in small groups, in your workbook list ways you reduce the risk of machinery (e.g. sprayers) coming into contact with overhead power lines (OHPLs). Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌..
Safety when working near power lines
Are you qualified? A number of enquiries regarding the certification requirements for operators of spraying bowsers. For operators who are transporting water in a tank/bowser with an attached mobile pesticide store, certification is not required.
Are you qualified? If operators are mixing and transferring pesticides then operator certification is required.
Are you qualified? Certification requirements are as follows: • City & Guilds Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides (PA1). • City & Guilds Level 2 Award in the safe Mixing and Transferring of Pesticides (PA8). Operators achieving PA1 and either PA2 or PA3 prior to 2012 will have been automatically credited with PA8.
Local / Specific Issues
Local / Specific Issues - Guidance • Minimum of one and maximum of three topics - selected and written by trainers. • 15 minutes total duration. • Crop protection related and relevant to operators. • NRoSO do not need to pre-approve content. • Hide this guidance slide prior to presenting to operators!
Sustainable Use Directive Boom sprayers over 3 metres, air blast, train and aircraft sprayers – Tested by 26th November 2016 or first test due before the machine is 5 years old – Re-test due within 5 years up to 2020 – After 2020 re-test every 3 years
Boom sprayers 3 metres and under and other types of PAE, incl. slug pellet and micro-granular applicators, weed wipers, seed treatment and other specialist application equipment – Tested by 26th November 2016 or first test due before the machine is 5 years old – Re-test every 6 years
Knapsack, handheld and pedestrian sprayers – Do not require a formal test but need to be inspected regularly – Make any repairs necessary – Keep a record of the inspection, a checklist is available from the NSTS website
Sprayer Testing • • • • • •
Year tested Next test due 2016 By 26/11/2020 2017 By 26/11/2020 2018 By 26/11/2021 2019 By 26/11/2022 Then every three years thereafter
11.3 The PPP (SU) Regulations 2012 require all users of pesticide application equipment to ensure it is inspected: once before 26 November 2016; at intervals of no more than 5 years until 2020; and at intervals of no more than 3 years thereafter. New equipment must be inspected within 5 years of the date of purchase. Only equipment that has passed inspection must be in use after 26 November 2016.
Assurance Protocols Assurance Protocols valid until October 2021: Sprayers - Crops & Fresh Produce - Annual test (booms over 3 metres) Livestock Schemes – as SUD
SQC – every 3 years Granular applicators - Nematicides – Annual test - Other (e.g. Avadex) – as SUD Slug pellet applicators – as SUD Fogging (CIPC) – Annual
WATER CONDITIONING
Workbook Page 29
Water Conditioning Within this section we will cover: • • • • •
Background to water quality Cation exchange Alkaline hydrolysis Source water quality Humectancy
Background to water quality Pure water is almost a myth! Reservoir and ground water supplies nearly always have something dissolved in them e.g. Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Sulphates or Nitrates of Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Iron etc.
Background to water quality This can influence the following: • Hardness • pH • Taste Water quality can influence the effectiveness of the overall spray solution.
Cation exchange A characteristic of hard water is the high proportion of charged cations (dissolved minerals). These can affect the performance of agrochemicals by locking up a proportion of the active ingredients.
Cation exchange These cations bind with some herbicides, including glyphosate. These ‘bound’ herbicide compounds are unable to bind to the site of action in the target weed and the herbicide will be less effective. This is known as the cation exchange.
Cation exchange UK hard water areas:
Cation exchange The glyphosate molecule was originally patented as a descaling agent to be used for cleaning out drain pipes where mineral deposits of calcium, magnesium and iron accumulate. As glyphosate is a chelator it will grab onto these metal ions. The result is a strong complex which is not bio-available.
Cation exchange
Cation exchange Only the remaining unbound glyphosate is fully available to act as a herbicide. A little experiment‌..
Cation exchange Two copper coins:
Cation exchange Submersed into three different solutions:
Cation exchange Results after 20 minutes:
Cation exchange If Cations in the water are the problem, then the most effective solution would be to ‘negate’ the effect of the cations before adding the pesticide. This can be achieved by pre-conditioning the water with a product (e.g. X-Change). These products lock-up (chelate) the cations. The result is a spray solution in which all the herbicide is “active”.
Cation exchange How does X-Change Work?
Cation exchange Activity (Page 31) List the commonly used active substances / products that are affected by hard water. Feedback: • Glyphosate • Dim herbicides e.g. Laser • Phenoxy herbicides e.g. CMPP • Sulphonylureas /ALS inhibitors
Alkaline hydrolysis The pH of the spray solution can also affect chemical efficacy. Spray solutions with a high alkaline score will promote alkaline hydrolysis – where the molecules in the active solution become deactivated. Alkaline degradation of pesticides is almost always associated with hard water. Many pesticides are less stable in alkaline solution.
Alkaline hydrolysis By adding a water conditioner (e.g. X-Change) into the tank first, ahead of the agrochemical the pH is reduced to around 4.6 preventing hydrolysis from occurring.
Alkaline hydrolysis Sample 1
Sample 2
pH
pH
0 % (W a te r)
8 .4 9
7 .4 7
0 .0 5 % w / w
4 .8 3
4 .8 2
0 .1 0 % w / w
4 .6 9
4 .6 7
0 .1 5 % w / w
4 .6 3
4 .6 2
0 .2 0 % w / w
4 .6 2
4 .6 0
0 .2 5 % w / w
4 .5 9
4 .5 8
0 .5 0 % w / w
4 .5 4
4 .5 3
X -C h a n g e C o n c e n tr a tio n
Alkaline hydrolysis Activity (Page 32) List the commonly used active substances / products that are affected by alkaline hydrolysis. Feedback: • Pyrethroids • Mancozeb • Phenmedipham • Desmedipham
Source water quality The source of water used for spraying can vary from farm to farm. The main sources are as follows: • • • •
Mains Borehole Reservoir Rainwater
Source water quality Activity (Page 33) Working in small groups, compare the hardness and pH of a range of water samples. Feedback‌..
Humectancy A further benefit of some water conditioners is their humectant properties. A humectant is a chemical agent which prevents the final part of the spray droplet from drying out totally. Only when moist can the active penetrate the plant’s cuticle.
Humectancy
Humectancy If the spray droplet dries out too quickly the active ingredient could precipitate into solids which will not be able to penetrate the leaf cuticle, particularly in hot conditions.
Summary Water conditioners do not directly enhance the performance of an agrochemical, but by improving the properties of water they allow the active ingredient to perform as it is expected to do so. Where a water conditioner is not used its performance can be impaired as a result.
Summary It is important that water conditioners are added to the tank before the pesticide. What is the correct order for filling sprayer when using a water conditioner?
Correct sprayer filling procedures Cation Complexer This procedure can complex 95% of water cations
Competition agent e.g. Ammonium Sulphate This procedure will not be as effective as a cation complexer
Summary It is important to note that water conditioners are not classified as adjuvants or pesticides as they have no inherent pesticide activity.
SPRAYER MAINTENANCE
Workbook Page 37
Sprayer Maintenance Within this section we will cover: • Sprayer routine maintenance • Sprayer filtration • Cab filtration
Sprayer routine maintenance It is commonplace for operators to carry out their own sprayer servicing and routine maintenance. Many non-routine maintenance tasks may need to be referred to the dealer and/or sprayer specialists.
Sprayer routine maintenance Activity (Page 38) Make a list of all checks / routine maintenance tasks that should be carried out on a sprayer and state the frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, yearly). Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌..
Sprayer routine maintenance There are many additional checks / maintenance tasks that need to be carried out at the end of season – usually prior to winter storage. With some cropping regimes, it is unlikely that there will be an ‘end of season’ for the sprayer!
Sprayer routine maintenance You will now be shown a short video of pre-use sprayer checks.
Sprayer routine maintenance Key points following video: • Engine switched-off and key removed. • Vegetable based greased highlighted – other silicon based grease available that doesn’t cause swelling of seals/o rings. • Steering sensors/wheel speed sensors – check for cleanliness and/or damage. • Consider ‘sheath’ for all pipework.
Sprayer routine maintenance Key points following video: • Some pumps will have a greasing point instead of an oil reservoir. • Milky coloured pump oil? • Boom pivot points and bushes – common areas for wear and tear. • Electric or air nozzle shut-off – check for wiring issues/air leaks.
Sprayer routine maintenance During the video, reference was made to the ‘rule of 4’ for calculating nozzle outputs. How many of you use this formula?
Sprayer routine maintenance Calculating boom sprayer nozzle output at the rated pressure (3 bar) can be carried out using the ‘rule of 4’. This is done by placing a decimal point within the nozzle code number, e.g. • 04 (red) nozzle = 0.4 • Multiply this figure by 4 • Output (0.4 x 4) = 1.6 l/min @ 3 bar
Sprayer filtration Filters are an important part of the sprayer. They are there to protect many components of the sprayer. Incorrect or no filtration causes many problems such as down time, damage to components, repair costs, unnecessary environmental issues, calibration and application issues and ineffective operation of the sprayer.
Sprayer filtration Activity (Page 40) Please complete the table in your workbook showing the causes and corrective action for each of the filtration problems.
Sprayer filtration Filter related troubleshooting: Problem Cause Corrective Action Frequent nozzle Filter screen too *Fit finer filter screen blockage coarse Pump will not suck
Suction filter blocked
Pressure gauge fluctuates and nozzles splutter
Air in line/pump Check suction lines for sucking air air leaks
Clean filter screen
Sprayer filtration Problem Output falls across one boom section Main pressure gauge falling
Cause Pressure line filter blocked
Corrective Action Clean filter screen
Suction and/or flushing filters blocked
Clean and/or flush filters
*It is possible to “screen off� certain chemicals if filtration is too fine. Always check chemical label for specific advice on filtration.
Sprayer filtration Recommended filters for different flow rates:
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration
Sprayer filtration A cutaway of a self-cleaning (flush) filter:
Cab filtration Are you sufficiently protected from chemical vapours when in your sprayer cab? EU regulation (last revised in January 2018) setsout specific standards for cabs on agricultural equipment to protect the operator from hazardous substances. This includes plant protection products.
Cab filtration Categories of cab filtration are as follows: • Category 1 – no defined level of protection against hazardous substances. • Category 2 – protection against dust. • Category 3 – protection against dust and aerosols. • Category 4 – protection against dust, aerosols and vapour.
Cab filtration It is mandatory for any machine applying plant protection products to have Category 4 filtration. Do you know which category of protection your sprayer cab offers?
Cab filtration There are a number of self-propelled sprayer manufacturers offering Category 4 as a ‘standard’ fitment. However, many tractor cabins are built to Category 2 standards. Some manufacturers offer an option to upgrade but not always to the highest level of filtration.
Cab filtration What options are there for increasing the level of cabin protection? Existing cabin filters can be upgraded. This does rely on being able to maintain suitable cabin pressure. Cabins have to be over pressured. Air gaps (e.g. cable routing) can cause problems.
Cab filtration To be able to achieve category 4 filtration, activated and impregnated carbon filters (ABEK) are required. These offer protection as follows: • • • •
A: Organic vapours and gases B: Inorganic fumes. E: Acids. K: Ammonia compounds.
Cab filtration A cabin filtration system can be retrofitted. Some of the aftermarket systems are designed to be fitted externally (e.g. on cabin roof) whereas some can be integrated into the cabin roof.
TECHNOLOGY, OPERATOR AND TIPS
Workbook Page 45
Technology, Operator and Tips Within this section we will cover: • 4 star drift reduction nozzle rating. • Closed transfer system (CTS) – update. • Spot spraying – update. • A collection of top-tips provided by recent Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) finalists. • Annual training event - top-tips.
4 star drift reduction nozzle rating The star-rating classification originally included 1, 2 and 3 stars, which relate to 25%, 50% and 75% drift reduction. It became clear, soon after this was introduced, that both equipment manufacturers and users were most interested in 50% and 75% levels of drift reduction, and 25%, or 1-star, was not seen as of value.
4 star drift reduction nozzle rating Other European member states introduced higher levels of drift reduction in their schemes – 90% and 95% - and there has been pressure to follow suit. The UK has therefore now introduced a 4-star rating (90%) and the first 4-star ratings have been awarded in 2019.
4 star drift reduction nozzle rating Nozzle BFS ExRay XC 025
Supplier Billericay Farm Services
Pressure Up to 2 bar
BFS ExRay XC 04
Billericay Farm Services
Up to 2.5 bar
BFS ExRay XC 05
Billericay Farm Services
Up to 3 bar
4 star drift reduction nozzle rating Each nozzle will have operational settings and conditions for it to qualify as 4 star rated:
Closed transfer system (CTS) – update Testing is being carried out across the country for a closed transfer system which is being developed by Hypro. The system is based around the use of an eziconnect cap. The aim is for all agrochemical manufacturers to use this cap, which is a key component of the system.
Closed transfer system (CTS) – update
Closed transfer system (CTS) – update
Closed transfer system (CTS) – update As with the majority of CTS units, the can is inverted and attached to the unit. A lever locks the can in place to avoid operator and environmental contamination. The product container contents can then be dispensed either in full or part with the aid of the vacuum created by the induction hopper venturi system.
Closed transfer system (CTS) – update You will now be shown a short video of the CTS in operation.
Closed transfer system (CTS) – update An announcement was made on 10/10/19 by leading agrochemical companies; Syngenta, BASF, Corteva, Nufarm and Adama that they will fit ‘easyconnect’ screw caps as standard to a broad range of their containers from 2021/22. Initial markets will be Denmark and the Netherlands followed closely by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Spot spraying - update As part of last year’s annual training event we covered spot spraying and the capabilities of chlorophyll sensing boom mounted technology. Kuhn, working in partnership with Carbon Bee, is developing a new sprayer mounted system that uses artificial intelligence to identify weeds within a growing crop. These weeds can then be treated using individual nozzle control.
Spot spraying - update The I-Spray system uses hyperspectral sensors to target the weeds.
Carbon Bee agronomists are teaching the system to recognise a number of weeds.
Spot spraying - update The images are processed by a computer, which sends a signal to open and close individual nozzles to spot-spray weeds.
The goal is to develop a system that is accurate at speeds of up to 15km/hr.
FSOOTY top-tips In this section we are going to present some top-tips from the 2019 Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) finalists.
Simon Bailey
Simon Bailey Simon’s top-tips‌.. Simon has mounted a length of drainage pipe on the side of the sprayer to hold the suction pipe. He carries plenty of measuring jugs, so that several products can be pre-measured prior to starting mixing and filling.
Mark Jelley
Mark Jelley Mark’s top-tip‌.. Marks sprayer is running with 25cm nozzle spacing. For improved blackgrass control he alternates nozzles, downward flat fan then an angled forward and rear flat fan. Hitting the target from all angles has shown improved control.
Nick Light
Nick Light Nick’s top-tip‌.. Nick has installed a good quality weather station in the centre of the farm. This provides real time updates. Access to this and other local weather stations allows better planning if there is incoming localised rain.
Angus Russell
Angus Russell Angus’s top-tip‌.. Angus has placed red tape on his rear view camera screen where the rear wheels of the sprayer are situated. This allows accurate reversing into tramlines without crop damage.
Martyn Smith
Martyn Smith Martyn’s top-tip‌.. Two rear view cameras have been fitted to the boom, one on each side, so that when booms are folded any traffic on the road can be seen. But when unfolded, the nozzles at the rear of the sprayer are clearly visible.
Mark Turner
Mark Turner Mark’s top-tip‌.. Mark has set up a Facebook page to allow notification to neighbours of intended spray applications.
Annual training event - top-tips At the start of today’s training event we asked you to record any top-tips you feel may benefit other operators. Please share these with the group!
REVIEW & REFLECTION
Workbook Page 52
Review Quiz
1. What is the legal status of the code of practice for using plant protection products (PPP)? a) It must be strictly followed at all times when using PPP. b) If you follow its advice you will be doing enough to keep within the law. c) It must be followed if a company has more than 5 employees. d) It is law for agriculture and a guide for other sectors.
2. Which of the following would permit a pesticide to be applied at reduced volume? a) If an air induction nozzle is used for the application. b) If the product does not require PPE when in a diluted state. c) If a suitable adjuvant is added to the tank mixture. d) If a respirator is used in addition to label recommended PPE.
3. Alkaline degradation of pesticides is almost always associated with a) b) c) d)
water hardness. water volume. water temperature. water pressure.
4. What level of protection does category 4 cab filtration provide? a) No defined level of protection against hazardous substances. b) Protection against dust. c) Protection against dust and aerosols. d) Protection against dust, aerosols and vapour.
5. What level of drift reduction does UK 4 star rated equipment offer? a) b) c) d)
75% 85% 90% 95%
Personal Reflection Activity (Page 53) Following this annual training event, list three things that you will do differently at work. Record these in your workbook. Feedback‌..
The End Thank you for attending and have a safe journey home. See you next year!