Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/299589
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m M a y - J u n e 2 014 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 7 7 + Treat weeds when they are small. They are easier to wet and control with burn-down herbicides than larger weeds. Treating small weeds also allows lowering the height of the spray boom or nozzle, reducing the risk of drift. + Use spray shields or shrouds that can reduce spray drift by 75% or more. + Use appropriate spray nozzles. Nozzle choice affects droplet size, spray uniformity, coverage and drift potential, and directly impacts weed control, econom- ics and environmental quality. As a rule, operate spray tips at a low enough pressure to pro- duce large enough droplets (at least medium-sized) to resist drift while providing proper coverage for the herbicide type. Nozzles differ in spray discharge were created specifically to reduce spray drift by emitting larger size droplets that more directly land and stay on their intended target. Hem- bree said the nozzles are plastic but durable, and range in price from about $8 to $12 per tip. "This trial demonstrated that all of these nozzles give pretty good coverage and control," Wunderlich observed. "You don't have to stay in the XR rut, and if wind and drift are concerns, there are other good options." Hembree provided the follow- ing recommendations for effective herbicide applications and reducing spray drift: + Follow herbicide label instruc- tions. Many labels give specific recommendations on spray noz- zle selection, travel speed, envi- ronmental conditions and other ways to minimize spray drift and improve coverage. angle. In general, as discharge angle decreases, droplet size increases and drift potential decreases. + Spray when conditions are favor- able. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed all influence spray drift. + Slow down. Spray at a travel speed of 2-4 mph for better cov- erage. A travel speed of more than 6 mph can lead to wind shear of droplets and increase the risk of drift. Ted Rieger, CSW, is a writer and photographer based in Sacramento, Calif., and has been a contributing editor for V&WM since 1990. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. Field sales team Over 100 years of combined experience. Bob, Paul, Jerr y and Jerr y. THE STRONGEST EQUIPMENT FOR THE MOST DELICATE HARVEST. When it comes to North Coast agriculture, you have a special set of needs. That's why we offer John Deere Narrow Series Tractors — specially engineered to easily maneuver in vineyards and orchards. See the Belkorp Ag team today for more equipment and tools made just for your business. GREAT FINANCING AVAILABLE 5EN Narrow Series Tractors Available in cab and open-station Only 48" wide Harvest Rental Returns Available now! Calistoga, CA 1856 Lincoln Ave. (707) 942-4566 Santa Rosa, CA 4101 S. Moorland Ave. (707) 584-9111 Ukiah, CA 247 E. Perkins St. (707) 376-9670 One team, one goal: Your satisfaction. BelkorpAg.com BAS7X50501VWM-4C