Frequency of Calibration
Even though a sprayer's operation can be theoretically determined using mathematical formulas, there are still many reasons to verify that the output is what it should be. For example,
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wear (especially on nozzles)
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damaged or malfunctioning parts (such as pressure gauges)
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plugged or restricted passages (such as strainers and hoses)
Obviously, pre-season visual checks are not adequate for accurate application, nor is the fact that equipment and nozzle tips are new. Also, manufacturer's catalogs are only guidelines; fine-tuning a sprayer is the operator's responsibility.
A sprayer's output should be checked:
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after any adjustments
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when switching to a new chemical or application rate
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after a week of continuous use under the same circumstances
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Verifying the results of an adjustment is standard procedure for all John Deere products. Combine technicians would never make adjustments to a concave without then checking the hopper for cracked grain and the machine's path for grain passed on through. Likewise, you should never make adjustments to a sprayer without then verifying the output from the nozzles.
| Cost |
Applied to Sprayers |
Combine Comparison |
| Wasted Resources |
Over-or-under application of expensive chemicals |
Loss of crop in field |
| Reduced Yield/Quality |
Chemical stress, pest pressure remaining |
Crop damaged in threshing operation |
| Effect on Future Crops |
Chemical carryover |
Volunteer crop next year |
| Custom Operator Fees |
Usually $4-$6/acre |
Approx. $12/acre |
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