April 2014 | SportsTurf 39 www.stma.org
The sprayer is now correctly calibrated. The average amount of
water collected in fluid ounces equals the gallons applied per
acre (GPA).
Example:
44 fluid ounces was the average nozzle output. Therefore, the
sprayer is calibrated to deliver 44 gallons per acre.
TIPS FOR PRODUCT APPLICATION
Correct and accurate application of any pesticide product to a
turfgrass area is essential to prevent damage to the turfgrass and pre-
vent pollution of water sources. Use the following tips for accurate
and safe applications with your sprayer:
• Read all product labels to ensure safe handling, proper applica-
tion, and correct use rates. In addition, be sure to comply with all
state and federal environmental regulations.
• Make sure the sprayer is in good operating condition. Review
the Pre-Calibration Checklist before each pesticide application.
• Calibrate the sprayer every fourth application (if using the same
applicator) or every application (if a new applicator) to ensure the
sprayer and nozzles are still delivering the correct volume of product.
• Always stay a safe distance from water sources to prevent any
possible pollution.
• Don't apply pesticides on windy days (less than 7 mph or less
than 5 mph near sensitive crops).
• Maintain a consistent walking speed and pressure during cali-
bration and match it during application to deliver an accurate
amount of product.
• Use different sprayers for insecticide and herbicide applica-
tions.
• Be sure to clean the sprayer thoroughly after applying pesticide
products to prevent build up and corrosion on sprayer parts.
This material was originally produced by the 2013 STMA Infor-
mation Outreach Committee. Members included: Darian Daily;
Alec Kowalewski; Brad Fresenburg; Bryan Myers; David Kimel;
Doug Linde; Jason Bowers; Jason Kopp; Jason Kruse; Jeff Langner;
Jim Plasteras; Mike Goatley; Neil Cathey; Ryan McGillivray; Steven
Phillips; TJ Brewer; Tony Strickland; Vickie Wallace; Wayne Hor-
man; and Weston Floyd. n
References:
STMA Information Outreach Committee
University of Missouri – Calibrating Pump-up Can or Solo-type Backpack
Sprayers
Oregon State – Calibrating and Using Backpack Sprayers - http://extension.ore-
gonstate.edu/linn/sites/default/files/pnw_320_calibrating_and_using_backpack_spra
yers.pdf
Virginia Tech – Calibrating Hand-held and Backpack Sprayers for Applying Pesti-
cides - http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/456/456-502/456-502.html
North Carolina State University – Calibrating a Backpack Sprayer -
https://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/agmachine/turf/pubs/ag-576-callibrating_back-
