Transport Storage & Cleaning Powerpoint Presentation 2020/21

2020 NRoSO ANNUAL TRAINING EVENT Transport Storage Cleaning

INTRODUCTION

Workbook Page 2

Programme • • • • •

Introduction Current Issues Road traffic law and sprayers Application and Technology Review and Reflection

Introductory 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%

And as a bonus….. …..what was the title of last year’s course? a) b) c) d)

Issues, Ions, Ideas Sprayer Care and Technology.

Check, Protect, Reflect.

Sprayers, Water, Application & Tips.

Previous annual training events Activity (Page 6) What have you carried out differently at work, based on subjects covered in previous annual training events? Have you…..

• used water conditioning agents?

• recorded IPM? • signed up to BeeConnected?

CURRENT ISSUES

Workbook Page 7

Current Issues Within this section we will cover: • NRoSO membership information.

• Products/active substances update.

• Water UK update.

• Professional Use and Amateur Use products.

• Pesticide Application Equipment – Planters/Cultivators.

• National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Current Issues Within this section we will cover: • BeeConnected update.

• Emergency spill kits.

• Grain store treatments • Rodent control update.

• Local/specific issues relevant to you.

What’s in the news?

Activity (Page 7) 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.

NRoSO membership information Continuing professional development (CPD) points Activity (Page 8) Working as a small group, list all the methods of obtaining NRoSO CPD points.

Make a list in your workbook.

NRoSO membership information Type of event

Maximum points for this Maximum allowed per type of event over the 3 membership year year membership term

Pesticide assessment (8 points on achievement of N/A assessment) Meeting with an agronomist Two meetings per year (2 points per meeting) Technical updates / seminars N/A / conferences (1-7 points) Company internal update (1N/A 6 points)

32 12 30 18

NRoSO membership information Type of event Open technical events (with trail 2 - 6 points) (without trail 2 points) Membership/subscription for technical notes / journals (2 points) Online distance learning (2 points per online module) Attending NSTS sprayer test (3 points per year)

Maximum points for this Maximum allowed per type of event over the 3 membership year year membership term 6

18

One subscription per year

6

Two modules per year

12

One test per year

9

NRoSO membership information Maximum points for this Maximum allowed per Type of event type of event over the 3 membership year year membership term NRoSO annual training event One Annual Training 30 (10 points) Event per year Participative training event / PA refresher training (1 - 6 N/A 18 points) Ei Operator on-line learning 8 24 (2 - 8 points) (4 courses/year)

NRoSO membership information Online training - Ei Operator

• FREE to NRoSO members • NRoSO members can access a FREE training module worth 2 NRoSO points.

NRoSO membership information Online training - Ei Operator Need more points?

To access additional training with a further 6 NRoSO points you can become an EiO subscriber for just ÂŁ30 a year (UK).

Once completed, NRoSO points will automatically be added to your CPD record.

NRoSO membership information Member responsibilities • It is the member’s responsibility to ensure they achieve their 30 points in a three year term.

• There is no set amount to be achieved per term year but ideally some form of CPD activity must be undertaken each year.

NRoSO membership information Member responsibilities • Please keep your membership details up to date. Email address is important. • If you are taking time away from spraying, please contact NRoSO.

NRoSO membership information Member responsibilities • Submit any evidence as soon as the event/activity has taken place.

• If you sign up to the NRoSO website you can submit this evidence online which ensures points are added to your CPD record more promptly.

• Surplus points can be carried over (max 10).

Products/active substances update

Products/active substances update Epoxiconazole The approval for epoxiconazole ended on 30 April 2020. • Authorisations for sale and supply end on 31 October 2020 • Authorisations for disposal, storage and use end on 31 October 2021

Products/active substances update Epoxiconazole CRD have raised a concern about a risk to birds and is recommending that users follow a voluntary measure to not apply products containing epoxiconazole at 83g as/ha or higher to cereals before growth stage 40, to mitigate this risk.

Products/active substances update Fenpropimorph (reminder) • Authorisations for sale and supply ended on 31 October 2019 • Authorisations for disposal, storage and use end on 31 October 2020

Products/active substances update Mancozeb and Bromoxynil The European Commission has published draft regulations regarding the non-renewal of mancozeb and bromoxynil.

The proposed dates of adoption: • Mancozeb - 3rd quarter of 2020. • Bromoxynil - 4th quarter of 2020.

Water UK update Information has been published for the period 1st January 2020 to 30th April 2020.

Key headline is Propyzamide.

Water UK update Propyzamide is a key herbicide used in oilseed rape. The permitted application window for oilseed rape is 1st October through to 31st January.

The drinking water standard for propyzamide is 0.1ug/l (0.1 micrograms/litre).

Water UK update Recorded Propyzamide detections by 20 water companies as follows: • 1123 detections recorded between 1 Jan and 30 April 2020 • 161 (15%) above 0.1ug/l • 729 (65%) after 1 February • 111 detections over 0.1 after 1 Feb (10%)

Water UK update

Water UK update Combined water companies:

Water UK update Thames Water:

Water UK update Activity (Page 12) Working in small groups, please suggest reasons for increased water company detections of propyzamide during winter and spring 2020.

Make a list in your workbook.

Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌..

Water UK update The challenge‌..

Recommendation is to spray once soil temperatures at 30cm are 10°C and declining and there is adequate soil moisture.

Applications to soils above this temperature = more rapid degradation of propyzamide and a reduced amount of active in the blackgrass rooting zone.

Water UK update Propyzamide Half-life (days) 300

250

Days

200

150

100

50

0 3

8

Soil Temperature

15 oC

23

Water UK update Activity (Page 12) Using information provided by your presenter, list the steps that can be taken to avoid risks to water when using Propyzamide.

Make a list in your workbook.

Water UK update • Take care when filling and cleaning the sprayer.

• Use 6m grass buffer strip, or 5m no-spray zone, beside water courses.

• Discuss cultivation and spray timing with your BASIS registered adviser.

• Manage soils and tramlines to avoid surface run-off or erosion.

Water UK update • Do not apply when soils are cracked, dry or saturated. • Do not apply propyzamide if heavy rainfall is expected within 48 hours.

Professional use and amateur use products Amateur use: • Users of pesticides which are approved for amateur use do not require specific training or a certificate of competence. • These are often supplied ready to use.

Professional use and amateur use products Professional use: • Pesticides, such as those used on farms, or in public areas are approved for use in much larger commercial situations. • The labels of these 'professional' products can be more complicated, and by law must only be used by those who have had the appropriate training and hold a certificate of competence.

Professional use and amateur use products Professional use: • Professional products should never be used by the untrained amateur gardener.

Professional use and amateur use products Activity (Page 13) Can amateur (home/garden) products be used in areas outside of this area, for example in areas generally accessed by the public? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: YES

Professional use and amateur use products Feedback: Pesticide products are expected to be used in accordance with their authorisation and therefore only used in the home garden.

However, this does not prevent the use of home garden products in other situations such as parks and cemeteries if all the conditions of that product's authorisation can be complied with.

Professional use and amateur use products Activity (Page 14) Can a professional product be used in a home garden situation? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer: YES

Professional use and amateur use products Feedback: It may be possible for a professional pesticide to be used in what would normally be considered to be an 'amateur' situation (such as the home or garden or on an allotment). However, you will need to be able to answer 'yes' to the questions on the next slide.

Professional use and amateur use products • Will the conditions of authorisation of the pesticide be followed?

• If a certificate of competence is needed, does the user have one?

• Will reasonable precautions such as those given in the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products and the instructions on the product label be followed?

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators The following slides cover the operator certification requirements for cultivator/planter mounted pesticide application equipment.

The aim of PASC Unit 233 is to qualify the operator to operate all of the cultivator/planter mounted pesticide applicators by undertaking one assessment only.

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators Cultivator/planter mounted in-furrow liquid application (e.g. boom or band application of fungicide):

• PASC Unit 233 • PA2A (if it is a horizontal boom)

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators Cultivator/planter mounted powder application:

• PA12 – if mechanical • PASC Unit 233 – if mechanical • PA6MC (or old PA6D) if applying by hand

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators Cultivator/planter mounted granular application:

• PASC Unit 233 • PA4G (or old PA4)

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators Cultivator/planter mounted slug pellet application:

• PASC Unit 233.

• PA4S (or old PA4).

Pesticide application equipment – planters/cultivators Please note that the specific applicators that are assessed for the PASC Unit 233 are not transferable.

Operators achieving PA2 prior to June 1994 will also be qualified in respect of PA4 and PA6.

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

The following pie charts provide information on NSTS inspections for 2017, 2018 and 2019‌.

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

2017

2018

2019

No faults = 50.0 %

No faults = 53.0 %

No faults = 52.0 %

1 fault = 18.0 %

1 fault = 18.0 %

1 fault = 19.0 %

2 faults = 12.0 %

2 faults = 12.0 %

2 faults = 12.0 %

3+ faults = 20.0 %

3+ faults = 17.0 %

3+ faults = 17.0 %

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Activity (Page 18) Your presenter will give you a list of the ten most common faults found in 2019.

Using the table provided in your workbook, please rank them in order according to % of sprayers tested.

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Most common faults found in 2019 (not in order): DCV Leaks

Hose condition

Induction system free from leaks

Pressure gauge accuracy

Free from leaks – spraying above normal working pressure

Free from leaks – not spraying (pump running)

Filters – clean, good condition

Free from leaks – static check

Boom straight

Contents gauge clear and legible

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

The results: Ranking 1 2

3 4 5

Test Item DCV - leaks Free from leaks - spraying above normal working pressure Filters – clean, good condition Free from leaks – static check Contents gauge clear and legible

% 23.66 20.55 17.63 16.44 13.19

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

The results: Ranking 6 7 8 9 10

Test Item Hose condition Boom straight Induction system free from leaks Pressure gauge accuracy Free from leaks – not spraying (pump running)

% 11.05 9.22 8.65 7.73 7.54

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Analysis of most common faults (2019) • 5 of the faults relate to leaks and drips • 1 of the faults (hose condition) will become a leak or drip So 60% of faults are all attributed to this one similar issue!

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Analysis of most common faults (2019) These are all relatively simple, straightforward and quick to rectify, and should be done when they occur to ensure environmental problems are avoided whenever possible.

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

Activity (Page 19) What is the most effective method of checking for leaks on your sprayer? Record your suggestion in your workbook.

Answer: Run the sprayer at higher than ‘normal’ working pressure (e.g. 5 bar) and check for leaks.

National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update.

How many of you use this method to check for leaks? Please discuss.

Quite often, it seems faults that have recently occurred before a test are left for the machine examiner to rectify at the time of the test. So the NSTS test is also a service on the machine, which should not be the case.

BeeConnected In excess of 3400 user registrations

The site is designed to provide notification of planned insecticide applications.

BeeConnected Resource:

Apr 2019

Sep 2019

Apr 2020

Farmers

751

833

1034

Fields

5203

5675

6914

Beekeepers

2059

2264

2430

Hives

3386

3710

3960

You can register at www.beeconnected.org.uk

Emergency spill kits Spillages can be a major cause of long-term environmental contamination as well as causing risks to personal health and safety.

It is important that chemical spillages are dealt with quickly and efficiently in order to avoid injury and possible legal action.

Emergency spill kits How many of you carry a spill kit on the sprayer/prime mover?

Emergency spill kits • Always plan for the worst-case scenario and make sure that your spill kit can deal with the full range of pesticides. • Remember that the spill could be concentrate or dilute and it could also be liquid, powder or granules.

Emergency spill kits Activity (Page 21) List the equipment which could be required to deal with a pesticide spill. Record your answers in your workbook.

Feedback: Suggestions please‌..

Emergency spill kits • PPE – Coverall, face shield, nitrile gloves, overshoes, respirator FFP3.

• Absorbent materials – paper towels, spill pads, spill socks, granules.

• Drip tray.

• Disposable bags with tape or twist ties.

• Shovel and polypropylene broom.

• Labelled and secure container for waste.

Emergency spill kits

Emergency spill kits Disposal of any waste materials which have been collected must always be dealt with by a Reputable Licenced Waste Disposal Contractor.

Always ask for a Waste Transfer Note as your proof of legitimate disposal.

Grain store treatments Activity (Page 23) Working in small groups, insert the common name of each insect pest in the table provided in your workbook. The list of common names is provided in the table.

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Saw toothed grain beetle

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Rust-red grain beetle

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Grain weevil

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Flour mite

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Lesser grain borer

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Foreign grain beetle

Grain store treatments Primary grain store insect pests

Cosmopolitan food mite

Grain store treatments Store preparation and monitoring Grain store preparation is a crucial job, and must be done meticulously to ensure that grain is kept in the best possible condition, and has the least chance of being destroyed by insects.

Grain store treatments Store preparation and monitoring Following thorough store cleaning and treatment (pre storage), place insect attractant bait bags and check weekly by shaking over white paper. Take remedial action if insects identified.

Grain store treatments Store preparation and monitoring Once the store is filled with grain, Pitfall Insect Traps can be used to detect the presence of insects. Pitfall Traps are used in pairs, with one at the surface and one placed approximately 815cm down into the grain.

Grain store treatments Methods of application and certification requirements Activity (Page 25) Using information supplied by your presenter, complete the table in your workbook detailing operator certification requirements.

Grain store treatments Methods of application and certification requirements Application method: Operator certification: Hand-held (knapsack) sprayer Operating Pedestrian Hand Held Applicators Fitted with Hydraulic Nozzles or Rotary Atomisers to Apply Pesticides to Land (PA6A) Mist blower Applying Pesticide Mists, less than 100 Microns VMD Indoors (PA9A)

Grain store treatments Methods of application and certification requirements Application method: Fogging machine

Smoke generator Conveyor applicator

Operator certification: Applying Pesticide Fogs, less than 100 Microns VMD Indoors (PA9C) Applying Pesticide Smokes Indoors (PA9D) Applying Pesticides to Plant Material During a Continuous Flow Process (PA12)

Grain store treatments Calculation of store area/volume Within your workbook you will find useful reference material relating to the calculation of the following: • Surface areas • Building volumes • Crop flow

Rodent control update More than 23,000 pest control technicians, gamekeepers and farmers have completed approved training courses and become certified as competent users.

There are 17 stewardship-approved farm assurance schemes whose 94,000 members are inspected against standards for rodent pest management.

Rodent control update During the first two years with all stewardship elements in place there have continued to be significant rodenticide residues found in Barn Owls, this is known as secondary poisoning.

Secondary poisoning is when a predator eats a dying rodent that has been poisoned, or a scavenger eats a dead carcase of a poisoned rodent and is affected.

Rodent control update The government is expecting lasting reductions in rodenticide residues carried by non-target wildlife. Without good evidence of this, further restrictions will be implemented.

Rodent control update Activity (Page 29) List some control methods which would form part of an Integrated Pest Management control programme for rodents.

Feedback: Suggestions please‌..

Rodent control update IPM control methods (in order): • Proofing buildings • Hygiene • Denial of food and water • Removal of harbourage • Trapping • Alphachloralose (anaesthetic - mice only)

Rodent control update IPM control methods (in order): • Gassing (rats only).

• First Generation anticoagulants (warfarin, chlorophacinone and coumatetralyl).

• Second Generation anticoagulants (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum, flocoumafen).

Rodent control update Remember the preferred order of control: Habitat management Âť Physical control Âť Chemical control 1 2 3

Local/Specific Issues • This section of the presentation relates directly to SQC and the SQC standards, although sections of the standards are referred to through the presentation the full SQC standards are available through the following link; https://www.sqcrops.co.uk/documents/farmdocuments/

SQC Standards

SQC Standards

Training and competency Training and competency are important, some of the reasons for this are: It is an obligation of the Health and Safety at Work Act to protect (as far as reasonably possible) the Health, Safety and Welfare of their employees whilst at work.

The Control of Pesticides Regulation 1986 requires that operators must have the knowledge, skills and experience needed for the duties they will perform

SQC Standards • The SQC Standards require that staff and contractors are competent.

SQC Standards

SQC Standards

ROAD TRAFFIC LAW AND SPRAYERS

Workbook Page 34

Road Traffic Law and Sprayers Within this section we will cover:

• • • • •

Licence requirements Trailer tests Width and speed limits Weight limits Vehicle roadworthiness

Road Traffic Law and Sprayers Within this section we will cover:

• Health and safety law • Mobile phones • Driver courtesy

Road traffic law and sprayers What licence do I need to drive a self-propelled sprayer on road?

Machines such as telehandlers and selfpropelled sprayers are officially classed as agricultural machines and legally require a driver to have passed a category B (car) driving test.

The minimum age at which a category B test can be taken, and a licence obtained is age 17.

Road traffic law and sprayers What licence do I need to drive a self-propelled sprayer on road?

However, the passing of a category B test does not give a person aged 17 the ability to drive all agricultural machines such as sprayers straight away. There are age-based restrictions to consider up to the age of 21 yrs.

Road traffic law and sprayers What licence do I need to drive a self-propelled sprayer on road?

Vehicle weights and age requirements are: • 3.5 tonnes limit between ages 17 and 18.

• 7.5 tonnes limit between ages 18 and 21.

• Vehicles over 7.5 can only be driven under a category B licence legally on road by persons aged 21 years or over.

Road traffic law and sprayers What licence do I need to drive a sprayer towed by a tractor?

Option 1: • If the F (tractor) driving test is passed a 16 year old can legally drive an agricultural tractor and trailer on the road.

• At age 16 there is a 2.45m width restriction.

• At age 17 there are no width restrictions.

Road traffic law and sprayers What licence do I need to drive a sprayer towed by a tractor?

Option 2: • The entitlement to drive a tractor is automatically awarded to holders of a category B (car) licence – in other words the ability to drive an agricultural tractor comes automatically when a category B test is passed.

Road traffic law and sprayers Trailer tests - tractors Agricultural tractors and trailers are treated as one unit. This means that the entitlement to drive a tractor automatically includes the entitlement to drive a tractor and trailer combination. No additional testing or license qualifications are needed.

Road traffic law and sprayers Trailer tests – other agricultural machines e.g. self-propelled sprayers The general rule is that a category B driving licence allows holders to drive agricultural machines and a towed trailer weighing a maximum of 750kgs laden weight.

Road traffic law and sprayers Trailer tests – other agricultural machines e.g. self-propelled sprayers To tow a trailer over 750kg behind an agricultural vehicle an additional licence qualification is needed (category E – trailer test).

To gain a category E licence entitlement an additional test must be taken and passed.

Road traffic law and sprayers Width and speed limits The speed limit for agricultural vehicles varies according to the vehicle type and the width of the vehicle.

Road traffic law and sprayers Width and speed limits Activity (Page 37) Using information from your presenter, please complete the table in your workbook.

Road traffic law and sprayers Width and speed limits Tractor type:

Width of vehicle:

Speed:

High specification tractor – Up to 2.55m e.g. Fastrac or Unimog High specification tractor – Over 2.55m up to e.g. Fastrac or Unimog 3.5m High specification tractor – Over 3.5m e.g. Fastrac or Unimog

40mph

20mph 12mph

Road traffic law and sprayers Width and speed limits Tractor type:

Width of vehicle:

Speed:

All other tractors

Up to 2.55m

All other tractors

Over 2.55m up to 3.5m Over 3.5m

25mph (40km/h) 20mph

All other tractors

12mph

Road traffic law and sprayers Width and speed limits Tractor type: All other agricultural machines e.g. telehandler, self-propelled sprayer, combine All other agricultural machines e.g. telehandler, self-propelled sprayer, combine

Width of vehicle:

Speed:

Up to 3.5m

20mph

Over 3.5m

12mph

Road traffic law and sprayers Weight limits The weight limit for an agricultural tractor/trailer combination is 31 tonnes.

Within the overall weight limit of 31 tonnes the weight of a laden trailer can be no more than 18.29 tonnes.

Road traffic law and sprayers Weight limits Towed sprayers are classed as a towed appliance up to a weight of 14.23 tonnes. Over that weight limit towed sprayers are treated in the same way as trailers. This means that the maximum permitted weight of a tractor and sprayer combination on road is 31 tonnes and the weight of the sprayer can be no more than 18.29 tonnes.

Road traffic law and sprayers Vehicle roadworthiness The main purpose of agricultural vehicles is to perform agricultural operations on field and so it is considered that it is not appropriate to have the same high level of regulation as HGVs. Agricultural vehicles are not required to have annual MOTs.

Road traffic law and sprayers Vehicle roadworthiness However, the law says that all agricultural vehicles must be safe and roadworthy every time they are used e.g. brakes must work, lights must work etc.

Road traffic law and sprayers Vehicle roadworthiness Drivers who take unroadworthy vehicles on road can face enforcement action and be sanctioned by penalty point, fines, and imprisonment for serious offences. Persons who cause or permit unroadworthy vehicles on road can face similar sanctions.

Road traffic law and sprayers Health and safety law Under health and safety law employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of people who work for them and anyone else who may be affected by their business operations. Employees have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their work activities.

Road traffic law and sprayers Health and safety law Employers have a duty under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment regulations (PUWER).

Activity (Page 38) List the duties of the employer under PUWER. Record this information in your workbook.

Road traffic law and sprayers Health and safety law Employer obligations – PUWER: • Ensure that equipment provided for work is suitable for the purpose intended.

• Persons using equipment are trained and competent.

• Equipment is well maintained.

Road traffic law and sprayers Mobile phones The use of mobile phones while driving is banned. Offences attract fines of ÂŁ200 and 6 penalty points per offence.

12 penalty points results in the loss of a driving licence.

Road traffic law and sprayers Driver courtesy Driver courtesy is essential to establish good relationships with other users of rural roads and with rural residents.

Road traffic law and sprayers Driver courtesy Important points to remember are: • Adjust speed to the road conditions at the time. A speed limit is not a target that must be reached at all times but something to comply with if the conditions are right.

Road traffic law and sprayers Driver courtesy Important points to remember are: • Do not use mobile phones as these are a cause of driver distraction and given the high visibility of drivers in agricultural vehicles noticed quickly by other road users. • Take care to protect the road environment by not driving on kerbs, banks of ditches etc.

APPLICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Workbook Page 40

Application and Technology Within this section we will cover: • Effective sprayer cleaning • Sprayer filling • Spray droplet size and volume • Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) • Spray Assist mobile phone/tablet application • Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition

Effective sprayer cleaning Effective sprayer cleaning avoids risks to other crops sprayed and ensures the sprayer is always ready for the next job. This is particularly important after using herbicides where even small traces can damage sensitive crops.

Always check the label as the product may require special cleaning procedures.

Effective sprayer cleaning Activity (Page 41) How do you ensure your sprayer is clean prior to moving on to a different crop (e.g. spraying oilseed rape following controlling brassica type weeds in cereals)?

Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌..

Effective sprayer cleaning Recommended cleaning procedures are contained within your workbook.

The best practice guide (contained within the workbook annex) also provides further information.

Effective sprayer cleaning Activity (Page 43) Please list the key areas (hot spots) where spray solution can remain following the initial clean.

Record your answers in your workbook.

Feedback: • Your suggestions please‌..

Workload planning to minimise cleaning It is always good practice to carry out a water rinse after every application is completed.

However, by planning your order of spraying you may be able to reduce the frequency of thorough sprayer cleaning.

Workload planning to minimise cleaning Activity (Page 44) Please suggest the most efficient order to carry out the following spraying jobs to minimise the need to carry out thorough sprayer cleaning.

Please indicate if a wash is required between jobs and specify the type of wash (e.g. water rinse or cleaning agent).

Workload planning to minimise cleaning Spray jobs (1):

• • • •

Autumn stubbles – glyphosate Winter oilseed rape – graminicide Winter wheat (late sown) – pre-em herbicide Winter wheat (early sown) – post-em BLW herbicide

Workload planning to minimise cleaning Feedback: • Your suggested spray job order please‌..

Workload planning to minimise cleaning Spray jobs (2):

• Pre-sowing – glyphosate • Winter oilseed rape – fungicide • Winter wheat – Fungicide and SU containing herbicide • Winter oats – plant growth regulator • Winter barley – wild oat herbicide

Workload planning to minimise cleaning Feedback: • Your suggested spray job order please‌..

Sprayer filling Here are some useful reminders regarding sprayer filling: • Always ensure the sprayer is thoroughly clean before starting – as there may be residues of incompatible products from the previous job.

• The sprayer tank must be at least half full of water before you start adding products.

Sprayer filling Here are some useful reminders regarding sprayer filling: • Always add water conditioning products to the tank first.

• Add more water as products are added.

• Allow one product to completely clear the induction bowl before adding the next product.

Sprayer filling Here are some useful reminders regarding sprayer filling: • Recirculate the spray solution and give cans an initial rinse.

• Once all product is in the sprayer carry out the final can rinsing with clean water during the final top up.

• Spray solution immediately.

Sprayer filling Formulation Mixing Order: 1 Water Conditioning Products 2 WSB - Water Soluble Bags 3 WG - Water Dispersible Granules 4 WP - Wettable Powders 5 SC - Suspension Concentrates 6 SE - Suspo-Emulsions 7 EC - Emulsifiable Concentrates 8 EW - Oil in Water Emulsions 9 SL - Soluble Liquids 10 Adjuvants

Spray droplet size and volume The size of a spray droplet is usually a measurement of its diameter in microns.

One micron = 1/1000 millimetre = 0.0001mm

There is a simple but important relationship between droplet size and droplet volume. This is known as the spray volume rule of eight.

Spray droplet size and volume The relationship between size and volume is cubic. Therefore, by halving the diameter of any given droplet, eight droplets would be needed to carry the same volume.

Spray droplet size and volume Activity (Page 46) How many 200-micron droplets would have the same volume as a 400-micron droplet?

Answer: 8 If eight 200-micron droplets were halved how many 100-micron droplets would there be?

Answer: 64

Spray droplet size and volume Activity (Page 46) Is a droplet with a diameter of 400 microns more likely or less likely to be retained on a leaf than a 200-micron droplet?

Answer: less likely

Spray droplet size and volume Activity (Page 46) Is a droplet with a diameter of 400 microns more likely or less likely to drift than a 200micron droplet?

Answer: less likely

Spray droplet size and volume Volume Median Diameter The term Volume Median Diameter is used as a method for quantifying the type of droplet spectrum a particular nozzle produces.

Spray droplet size and volume Volume Median Diameter The term is defined as the droplet size at which 50% of the total sprayed volume is made up of droplets larger than the median and 50% of the total sprayed volume is made up of droplets smaller than the median.

Spray droplet size and volume Volume Median Diameter

Spray droplet size and volume Relationship between VMD and spray quality Activity (Page 47) Complete the Retention, Penetration and Drift Potential sections of the table in your workbook.

Feedback‌..

Spray droplet size and volume Relationship between VMD and spray quality Spray Quality

Droplets size (microns)

Relative coverage/litre % of fine

Retention

Penetration

Drift Potential

Fine F110/0.85/3.5

VMD 200

100

Very good

Poor

High

Medium F110/1.44/2.5

VMD 250

63

Good

Good

Moderate

Coarse F110/2.58/2.0

VMD 340

50

Moderate /Poor

High

Low

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) When purchasing a replacement sprayer there are many choices to be made one of which is “what nozzle spacing do I go for?”

For quite some time sprayers have been sold with standard 50cm nozzle spacing which when used with 110˚ fan nozzles at 50cm above the target will give the correct coverage.

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) There is now an option to go for 25cm nozzle spacing, but are there any benefits from this, or is it just an excuse to get the farmer/contractor to spend more money?

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) Activity (Page 48) In your workbook list as many advantages and disadvantages for each option that you can think of.

Feedback: Your suggestions please‌..

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) Advantages of 50cm spacing: • Well proven system • Works well with 110˚ nozzles • 50cm apart and 50cm above target is easy to remember • Larger orifice so less chance of blockage

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) Disadvantages of 50cm spacing: • Less suitable for spot spraying systems • Too wide for liquid fertilizer application • Higher boom height required • Increased risk of drift

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) Advantages of 25cm spacing: • Lower boom height • Better coverage • Less wind drift, therefore extra spraying days • Better for spot spraying systems • An advantage for band spraying • Could help with higher water volumes

Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) Disadvantages of 25cm spacing: • Twice as many nozzles to buy • Smaller orifice so more risk of blockage • Smaller droplets more risk of drift • Not proven to be more effective • No guarantee of increased revenue

Spray Assist mobile phone/tablet application Syngenta Spray Assist is a new App created to help sprayer operators to select the most appropriate application techniques for different crops, situations and timings.

Spray Assist mobile phone/tablet application The app links to live local weather data, to analyse the factors that influence accurate application and potential risk of spray drift, including wind, rain or frost.

The app suggests techniques to enable sprayer operators to mitigate risks or alter practices.

Spray Assist mobile phone/tablet application

Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition The aim of FSOOTY is to find the best Farm Sprayer Operator in the UK. The award seeks to reward the country’s top sprayer operators whilst also sharing the practical tips and best practice that can help all operators enhance results and protect the environment.

Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition As part of the application process, entrants are required to answer a series of questions and submit a useful top tip.

The application window for the 2021 competition is: Neal Evans to provide date?

In your workbook page ?? You will find examples of FSOOTY questions (with answers).

The End Thank you for attending and have a safe journey home.

See you next year!