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Channel Field Check Up
KAYLISSA HALTER
EFFINGHAM, ILL.
It is important to prioritize proper sprayer cleaning to help avoid crop injury. Herbicides can remain in the spray tank, lines, sump, pump, filters and nozzle bodies. Proper cleaning of sprayers between tank loads helps minimize the risk of crop injury.
Always read product labels
Consult labels of the products that were previously in the spray tank and of the products to be used for the next application in addition to your current product. Some products may require specific steps for sprayer cleanout.
Tank-cleaning agents
Tank-cleaning agents penetrate, loosen, dissolve and sometimes deactivate pesticide residues to be removed with water from the sprayer. Commercial tank cleaners and detergents help remove water- and oil-soluble herbicides and usually perform better than household detergents as they can deactivate some herbicides in addition to dissolving them. Allow sprayers with rubber hoses to sit overnight with a cleaner in the hoses to extract more residue. Make certain the boom is reflushed before use.
General cleaning procedures
Do not allow herbicides to sit overnight or for extended periods in the sprayer. Herbicides can settle into crevices and cracks, making their removal more difficult. Always try to end the workday with a clean, empty sprayer to prevent damage to spray equipment. If using the same product mixture the next day, flushing the sprayer system with water may be sufficient. However, if you are switching products or crop systems, a more thorough cleaning is required.
Know your herbicides
Be familiar with the chemistries that go through your equipment as well as the tolerance in the crops you will spray. Make sure the pesticide and herbicide you want to apply together are labeled for tank-mixing. Off-label or restricted tank mixes may cause crop response. Also be sure to check the label for application guidelines. As much of the corn along the I 70 corridor is at or near the V8 stage, it is critical to properly identify the crop stage and follow the labeled application window. Spraying herbicides beyond the recommended growth stage could result in later symptoms, such as reduced potential kernels, which can impact ear girth and ear lengths.
Please follow the link for spray tank cleaning recommendations for herbicides unless the product label specifies a different procedure.
http://www.roundupreadyplus.com/Pages/Article.aspx?article=Sprayer-Cleanout . ∆
KAYLISSA HALTER: Agronomist, Channel
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