With this year’s spraying season quickly approaching, there are a few steps you can take now to prepare for the busy months ahead. One of them includes preparing a kit of items you will need during applications.
Here’s what the experts say are essential for your spray mix application toolbox.
1. Portable pH Meter
Johnnie Roberts, CPDA director of application – adjuvant chemistry, recently joined an Ag Retailers Association (ARA) webinar and shared portable pH meters are a must have.
“These are cheap — always have access to one,” Roberts says. “It’s a great tool for managing a lot of problems.”
2. Materials for a Jar Test
If you’re in a situation where you don’t have commercial experience with the products being used and no guidance from the manufacturer, Roberts strongly recommends conducting a jar test.
“There’s an old African proverb that says only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet,” Roberts says.
3. Compatibility and Foam Control Agents
4. Documentation
Keep your phone, tablet, a camera or pen and paper on you during application to capture any issues you encounter.
“We see some of the same problems popping up every year, and we deal with them to realize we came up with the same solution as last year,” Roberts says. “Document these problems and solutions as you encounter them.”
5. Internet References
6. Protective Clothing
A guide from the Nebraska Extension outlines just what you’ll need to ensure your head, eyes and hands are protected. Some items include:
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Goggles or glasses
- Chemical-resistant gloves. Natural rubber, disposable nitrile, reusable nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber, Viton and barrier laminate types can be used. Nebraska Extension cautions against lined, latex, cotton, leather and canvas gloves as these types can be hard to clean, absorb pesticides or do not provide proper protection.
- The appropriate type of respirator for the type of chemical you will be handling — even if one is not required by the product label.
7. Training
Roberts advises keeping your training up to date as things change and guidance improves — but he also cautions against thinking everyone else is doing the same.
“Don’t assume this training is out there and everyone knows about it,” he says. “In my experience, sometimes we assume everyone knows not to do certain things. You should always communicate.”
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