TECHNICAL
Syngenta Technical Manager Glenn Kirby Sharing spraying Top Tips
A 50 litre walk behind sprayer proved very useful for applications on greens
can cause problems, if the spray just hangs over treated areas and any unexpected gusts may take it off target.”
He pointed out still conditions can be a particular issue first thing in the morning or late evening, when temperature inversion occurs, which is a challenge since it’s often an opportune time without players on the course.
Drift mitigation measures Paul advocates to help keep sprays on target include:
• Boom height - a stable 50 cm above the target
• Nozzle selection – utilise low drift options
• Operating pressure - operate at 2 - 3 bar maximum
• Vehicle speed - slower is better for drift reduction
• Check wind conditions - be aware of gusty winds
• Correct sprayer set up
To further protect off-target areas around the course, they have designated buffer zones, which at Caldy are long strips of uncut grass which form a boundary. One of these sensitive areas are the bee hives they have on site. Caldy’s washdown area for machines integrates a reed bed system to
Amenity Forum Awards
The Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year recognises and rewards top sprayer operators across the amenity industry. It aims to further improve standards, by identifying the best practice of individuals to enhance results.
Organised by the Amenity Forum, the Awards are sponsored by ICL and Syngenta, and supported by BASIS. Two categories cover Sports Turf application and Landscape and Industrial.
Previous overall winners have undertaken study tours to the US and Europe, along with BASIS training and further education offers. All entrants to this year’s Awards also have the chance for a place on the Syngenta Application Academy 2021.
ensure no contamination reaches the environment.
He has also fitted an in-line water meter at the filling station, so he knows precisely how much is in the sprayer for the area to be treated and avoids waste being left for disposal.
With a focus on safety and minimising risk of point source contamination, Paul has an approved waste contractor route for disposal of chemical, washed out packaging and used PPE. All PPE is always kept in a clean zone. Everyone who is assigned to spraying has his or hers own dedicated PPE, which they are responsible for looking after. “From 2016, new legislation came into effect that all mounted and pedestrian sprayers must comply with national testing; so we always make sure the sprayer has an MOT through NSTS services every year. It ensures the sprayer is working correctly and also helps to minimise breakdowns. Plus, for the insurance policy, it’s important to have,” he commented. Paul is also sure to let people know what
he’s doing and where. Signs go out around the clubhouse and first tee before any spraying takes place, as well as on the club’s website. “Keeping everyone safe is key,” he added.
Syngenta Technical Manager and application specialist, Glenn Kirby, highlighted the skills and experience of sprayer operators is paramount in achieving the full potential from all applications and assuring future sustainable use.
“Paul has shown he has outstanding skills and works to very high standards to achieve the best possible results. He has proved a successful winner by showing that best practice can deliver efficient and, above all, safe amenity spraying.”
“All of the Awards entrants have demonstrated the essential techniques for safe and responsible spray application. Sharing their ideas and advice can help all operators to become more effective.”
Glenn’s Top Tips for accurate application and a guide for future Awards entrants include:
• Know your target and where you want the spray to end up – on the leaf; the crown or in the soil?
• Select appropriate nozzles, pressure, water volume and speed to give the best chance of hitting the target.
• Where you have to make a conscious compromise with tank mixes, focus on the priority part of the application.
• Understand the way different products work, along with the physiology of the pathogen/weed and the turf plant - to optimise application timing.
• Check over the sprayer every time. Look at pipes and joints for leaks at pressure; check tyre pressures; assess spray pattern from each nozzle; balance booms for constant pressure.
• Maintain accurate records, of what you applied, where, when and how - and the result. Refer back to develop your own best practices.
• Have the sprayer regularly tested to NSTS regs.
A series of Glenn’s Art of Application videos on GreenCast offers further practical ideas and advice to improve spraying accuracy.
PC February/March 2020 127
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