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Channel Field Check Up
KAYLISSA HALTER
ROBINSON, ILL.
It is important to prioritize proper sprayer cleaning to avoid crop injury problems. Herbicides can remain in the spray tank, lines, sump, pump, filters, and nozzle bodies. Proper cleaning of sprayers between tank loads helps to prevent crop injury.
Always read product labels
Consult labels of the products that were previously in the spray tank, and of the products that will be used for the next application. 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. Commercial tank cleaners usually perform better than household detergents and 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
Always try to end the workday with a clean and 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 crops, 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 can be mixed without inducing crop injury. Please sure to keep an eye on weed pressure in late-planted corn to ensure the young corn doesn’t have to compete with weeds to get established. With April corn nearing or at V8, herbicide application windows based on crop growth stage are critical to pay attention to because spraying outside of the recommended window could reduce kernel girth and length potential. Take extra precaution to ensure a clean sprayer before heading out for the day. Also be sure to check the label for application guidelines.
Please follow the link below for spray tank cleaning recommendations for all herbicides unless the product label specifies a different procedure. ∆
http://www.roundupreadyplus.com/Pages/Article.aspx?article=Sprayer-Cleanout
KAYLISSA HALTER: Channel Agronomist
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