Gone are the days of blasting as much product and air as possible and getting it where it shouldn’t be or wasting it. Several factors need to be considered to ensure effective spray in a vineyard. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of coverage, the importance of the size of droplets, how to know if you’re getting the coverage you need, and how to choose the right nozzle for the job.
Importance of Coverage
When it comes to vineyard spraying, the coverage of the spray is crucial. The liquid volume applied should be enough to stick to the leaves or fruit. Knowing the specific target of the spray is half the battle. Whether it’s the fruit, a bug, or the leaves, hitting the target and avoiding wastage is essential.
Size of Droplets
The size of the droplets in a spray also plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Small droplets have a better chance of sticking to the target than larger ones. It is important to regularly check and replace worn-out nozzles that may wear out from hydraulic pressure or other factors like sulfur.
The Amount of Air Blasting Out
The air component of the spray system is equally important. There are three aspects of air to consider: volume, speed, and direction. Each aspect requires careful attention. Adjusting the machine in the gearbox ensures the purpose of the air, which is to move droplets from the end of the nozzle to the target, is achieved effectively.
How to Know If You’re Getting the Coverage You Need
There are a few methods to determine if you’re getting the coverage you need. One option is to use yellow cards, which can be placed strategically in the vineyard to catch spray droplets. However, these cards can be expensive at about $1 per card. An alternative method is kaolinite clay, a powder that can be mixed with water and applied like a whitewash or snow. This allows for easy visual inspection of coverage on the leaves, fruit, and other surfaces. Additionally, using food coloring in the spray mixture can make it easier to see where the spray lands.
Choosing the Right Nozzle
When selecting a nozzle for vineyard spraying, choosing the right type for the specific application is important. Canopy nozzles, which produce fine spray-quality droplets of the same size, are suitable for foliage spraying. For herbicide spraying, an air induction nozzle is recommended. These nozzles produce larger droplets that don’t drift easily and have air inside to assist with delivery. When choosing a nozzle, ensure it is made of ceramic rather than plastic, as ceramic nozzles tend to last longer.
By considering the importance of coverage, droplet size, and airflow and using appropriate visualization methods and nozzles, vineyard owners and workers can ensure they are spraying their vineyards effectively. This not only leads to better pest and disease control but also helps reduce waste and increase cost-efficiency in vineyard operations.
If you want to learn more about effective vineyard spraying, check out https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu039.
