Using appropriate agriproducts in orchards and nurseries is essential to ensure the quality and quantity of fruits and plants. However, the constant rate agriculture sprayer applies the fertilizers and pesticides evenly throughout the area in orchards and vineyards. So it does not consider any differences in crop characteristics and the severity of pests and diseases. This can lead to excessive pesticide use in some areas and form wastage in other places. It results in increased costs and environmental contamination.
There is a growing demand for efficient and intelligent systems in spray equipment in NZ that can address these issues and meet healthy fruit standards while protecting the environment. These systems need to reduce the number of pesticides used while ensuring effective pest control. The sprayers can help minimize waste and bring sustainability by taking into account the specific needs of different areas within the orchards and vineyards.
These smart sprayers can also reduce production costs by optimizing their pesticide use. There are many other factors that also go into account to improve the sprayer performance and bring sustainability to the applications. Let's get to know how to get a better yield of your agriproducts by bringing proper spraying efficiency.
Spraying equipment designs
Thanks to commercially available agriculture sprayer for orchards and vineyards, there are many variable numbers and innovative ways to incorporate fertilizers, sprays, and pesticides. The sprayer equipment is mostly customized, so they are not categorized into any class. The common types of sprayers for sale in NZ that are used for orchard applications are aerial mist or fog sprays through air delivery, air blast, or fan sprayer.
The sprayers use an axial or radial fan for airflow supply of pesticides spraying through nozzles in an upward, two-sided lateral, and directional spray pattern. The air delivery systems can come in pull-type, self-propelled, and three-point/mounted category sprayers. There is also a boom sprayer system that directly applies fertilizers downward toward the ground through extendable booms with exposed nozzles.
Different crops and field conditions require specific types of sprayers. For orchards and vineyards, specialized sprayers with adjustable boom height and nozzles designed for targeted application can provide better coverage and minimize drift. Additionally, selecting sprayers with larger tank capacities reduces the need for frequent refills, improving overall efficiency.
Spray Techniques
There are different techniques available for applying fertilizers and pesticides in orchards. So you need to choose effective spraying techniques for maximum yield. Choose regularly calibrating spray equipment in NZ for measuring nozzle output and adjusting pressure to achieve the desired spray volume per area. Furthermore, consider maintaining a consistent speed while spraying to achieve uniform coverage.
Adjust the speed based on crop density and field conditions which helps ensure adequate spray penetration. Consideration of the carrier volumes is also essential for optimizing the fertilizer and pesticide spraying on the orchard plants. It helps deliver the spray products to the target and distribute them in the desired pattern and concentration. So, determine between high-volume spraying and low-volume spraying according to the dose rate.
Consider weather
Weather conditions play a crucial role in optimizing orchard spraying. It is important to check the weather before each spraying session. Firstly, pay attention to the wind speed. Spraying when the wind is consistent and blowing between 3 and 15 km/h is best. Wind speeds below 3 km/h can cause small droplets to hang in the air or drift away. High wind speeds above 15 km/h can lead to spray loss as the droplets drift.
Get the right sprayers for sale in NZ for the standard climate in your area. Besides the wind speed, consider the wind direction, especially near water or human activity. Follow the instructions on the product label regarding buffer zones. Additionally, temperature and humidity also affect the sprayer's efficiency. Dry air causes droplets to evaporate quickly, so it's better to spray when temperatures are below 25°C and humidity is high.
Know the product's mode of action
It's crucial to choose the right product to optimize spraying in vineyards based on the susceptibility of pests and diseases and understand how the product works. Make sure to consider the mode of action, so apply the pesticide in a specific spot and ensure good coverage across the canopy.
The contact insecticides work by directly touching the pests, while systemic products enter the plant and move through it. It's also important to adjust the droplet size based on the product's mode of action. Know that the finer droplets are preferred for contact insecticides in agriculture sprayer, and the coarser ones work better for systemic products.
Efficient use of agriculture sprayer is essential in orchards to achieve better yields and reduce pesticide wastage. So select the suitable spraying equipment by employing proper techniques, considering weather conditions, use the spray to understand the product's mode of action that ensures effective application. It will help farmers maximize the efficacy of sprays while minimizing environmental impact.
So stay updated with the latest research and development in the spraying industry practices that adopt innovative spraying technologies and improve spraying efficiency. Farmers can contribute to sustainable agriculture and meet the growing demand for high-quality agricultural products by optimizing agriculture spraying in orchards.