SportsTurf

September 2012

SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.

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FieldScience | ByJim Nedin Calibration & safety of pesticide application equipment Calibration accuracy and personal safety associated with pesticide application is key to a successful pesticide program. HOW TO USE THE WORKSHEET (FIGURE 1) Nozzle Uniformity 1. Enter date, nozzle code and sprayer operating pressure in appropriate box. Verify that all nozzles are the same type and size along the boom. 2. Catch the flow from each nozzle for exactly the same amount of time. The num- ber of seconds used is usually between 20 and 60, but make sure that at least 20 ounces are collected in each calibration jar (to help reduce error size). It is very impor- tant to maintain a constant operating pres- sure throughout the entire operation. Enter catch times in appropriate boxes. 3. Calculate average nozzle output. 4. Determine if any nozzles are signifi- cantly worn or clogged by verifying that all flow rates are within + or - % of the average nozzle output. (Typically between 5-10% limit.) 5. Clean, replace or recheck nozzles ex- ceeding the predetermined limit. Speed Calculator machine by laying out a level test course at least 100 feet long (Use a turf area, not a parking lot or cart path). Fill machine ½ full of water to simulate average load and record the exact amount of seconds to travel entire course at operating speed. Use this data in the equation provided. Application Rate ** GPM and Speed calculations should appear in appropriate boxes (from previous formulas). 1. Measure nozzle spacing in inches. 1. Calculate field spraying speed of the Enter number (in inches) in box. 2. Calculate the calibration rate using the formula provided. Read the product label to determine if this calibration rate falls within guidelines. Use manufacturer's catalogue charts to help verify your calcula- tions. NOZZLE SELECTION AND SIZING (FIGURE 2) 1. Determine the recommended calibra- tion rate. (Refer to product label.) 2. Measure nozzle spacing in inches. 3. Determine the spraying speed you will be using in the field. 4. Determine the appropriate nozzle size from manufacturer's charts. 5. Calculate the nozzle flow rate neces- sary to achieve the desired calibration rate with the sprayer. 6. Use nozzle manufacturer's catalogue to determine the nozzle identification code that corresponds to the nozzle style and 20 SportsTurf | September 2012 www.sportsturfonline.com FIGURE 1

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