Arable Delegate Workbook 2021–2022
Delegate name
C URRENT ISSUES A DJUVANTS S PRAYER MAINTENANCE T ECHNOLOGY
Arable
This training was developed by:
Paul Aldridge Trevor Johnson
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the kind support, advice and ideas from: Anglian Water BASF
Agricultural Engineers Association Agricultural Industries Confederation City & Guilds Crop Protection Association Interagro Mike Corp Mike Wells National Farmers Union Voluntary Initiative John Wooding – Knights Sprayers Anglia Sprayers
Pete Wiles – Hardi Acare services Ltd
The National Register of Sprayer Operators was established at the request of The Voluntary Initiative (VI). The VI is a programme of measures which promotes responsible pesticide use.
Disclaimer
While City & Guilds seek to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate at the time of printing, no warranty is given in respect thereof and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused (including that caused by negligence) or suffered directly or indirectly in relation to information and opinions contained in or omitted from this document. Reference herein to trade names and proprietary products without stating that they are protected oes not imply that they may be regarded as unprotected and thus free for general use. No endorsement of named product is intended, nor is any criticism implied of other alternative, but unnamed, products.
Copyright
Please note that the photographs and drawings contained in this Workbook or the accompanying presentation are the property of City & Guilds or the authors. They may not be used without the prior permission of City & Guilds or the authors. In the first instance contact City & Guilds to seek permission and to contact the appropriate copyright holder.
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Workshop Contents: Introduction Current Issues 2021/2022 Adjuvants Sprayer Maintenance Application and Technology Review and Reflection Appendices
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Introduction Course Outline
Welcome to the 2021/2022 NRoSO annual training event.
This year’s event is divided into four sections.
1. Current Issues 2021/2022: This section covers items that are in the national news and that we feel are worth discussing in more detail. It may also cover specific local issues that your trainer will tailor to your geographical area or crop production system.
2. Adjuvants: In this section, we will look at the role of adjuvants in the spray process, including a pprovals, adjuvant groups and reasons for use.
3. Sprayer Maintenance: In this section, we will explore a range of applicator features, including how they work, diagnosing problems and basic maintenance.
4. Application and Technology: In this section, we will look at current application best practice and new technology.
Accreditation NRoSO: 10 points
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Activity: As a whole-group exercise, complete the following multiple-choice quiz based on previous training events.
1. The permitted application window for propyzamide to winter oilseed rape is:
a) 1 October to 31 January b) 1 September to 31 January c) 31 October to 31 March
2. In addition to PA1, which of the following practical pesticide application certificates qualifies the operator to use all cultivator/planter mounted pesticide applicators?
a) PA11 b) PA3 c) PASC
3. When filling a sprayer, why should you allow one product to completely clear the induction bowl before adding the next product?
a) To allow sufficient time for the pesticide container to be triple rinsed b) To avoid concentrates coming into direct contact with each other c) To enable the individual products to be accurately measured
4. When a predator eats a dying rodent that has been poisoned, they are at risk of:
a) secondary poisoning b) primary poisoning c) tertiary poisoning
5. What is the speed limit for a self-propelled sprayer, up to 3.5m wide?
a) 25mph b) 20mph c) 12mph
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Activity: What have you carried out differently at work, based on subjects covered in previous years’ annual training courses?
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Current Issues 2021/2022 Within the Current Issues section of this workshop, the following will be covered:
Products/active substances update Active substances – drinking water detections Amateur-use and professional-use products National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update BeeConnected update Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plans Local/specific issues
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Activity: What pesticide-related items have been in the news in the last year that have affected you, as a sprayer operator? Make a list below.
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Products/active substances update
Great Britain (GB): active substances
An active substance must be approved in GB before it can be included in any PPP authorised for use in GB.
When an active substance is approved in GB, it will be included in a statutory register for active substances.
A GB programme for the review of the safety of active substances is being developed and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will retain the power to review active substance approvals at any time, if new evidence identifies any concerns to human health or the environment.
Approvals, authorisations and MRLs
All existing active substance approvals, PPP authorisations and MRLs continue to be valid in GB.
Existing PPP authorisations remain valid until their current expiry date.
Active substance approvals due to expire before December 2023 have been extended for three years to allow time to plan and implement the GB review programme.
GB sets MRLs based on its own assessments but all existing (EC) MRLs remain valid until they are amended. Applicants will need to continue to meet any existing conditions under the new GB pesticide regime.
MRLs in GB and the EU may start to diverge over time, so businesses producing food for export or trading in food produce should consider the requirements in their target market.
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2,4-DB
The withdrawal notice for 2,4-DB was issued on 15 October 2019. CRD have allowed the full grace period available and set the timescales for withdrawing authorisations as follows:
• Authorisations for sale and supply ended on 31 October 2020. • Authorisations for disposal, storage and use ended on 31 October 2021.
Carbetamide (crawler)
Crawler (600g/kg carbetamide) is a herbicide for the control of black-grass and other grass and broad-leaved weeds in oilseed rape.
Despite the three-year active substance extension issued by CRD for carbetamide, the product extension will not automatically follow for crawler.
• Authorisations for sale and supply end on 30 November 2021. • Authorisations for disposal, storage and use end on 30 November 2022.
Metaldehyde – reminder
• Authorisations for sale and supply end on 31 March 2021. • Authorisations for disposal, storage and use end on 31 March 2022.
From 1 April 2022, it will be illegal to sell and use metaldehyde products.
An IPM approach to slug control is more effective than relying solely on slug pellets and will help ensure maximum protection to the environment.
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Active substances – drinking water detections
Propyzamide
Propyzamide is a key herbicide used (but not exclusively) in oilseed rape. The permitted application window for oilseed rape is 1 October through to 31 January.
The graph below illustrates propyzamide detections at abstractions between January and May 2020. It shows a significant level of detections occurring beyond the commencement of the closed period.
Recorded propyzamide detections are as follows:
• 1,123 detections recorded between 1 January and 30 April 2020. • 161 (15%) above 0.1ug/l. • 729 (65%) after 1 February. • 111 detections over 0.1 after 1 February (10%).
The drinking water standard is 0.1ug/l (0.1 micrograms/litre).
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Activity: Working in small groups, suggest reasons for increased water company detections of propyzamide during winter and spring.
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Activity: Using information provided by your trainer, list the steps that can be taken to avoid risks to water when using propyzamide.
Bentazone
‘Know The Bentazone Risk’ water stewardship programme is a proactive initiative aimed at encouraging responsible product use.
Your trainer will show you two videos that highlight the risks and the top tips for use.
Please refer to the water protection advice sheet for propyzamide and bentazone – available on the VI website: www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk.
See Appendix pages 58-59 for full size version.
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Amateur-use and professional-use products
Amateur use
Users of pesticides that are approved for amateur use in the home, garden or allotment, for example, do not require specific training or a certificate of competence.
The label will be worded in a way to make it easily understood so that the product can be used safely.
These products are most likely to be found in the local garden centre, DIY store or supermarket. They are often supplied ready to use.
Professional use
Pesticides, such as those used on farms or in public areas, are approved for use in much larger commercial situations.
The labels of these ‘professional’ products can be more complicated and, by law, must only be used by those who have had the appropriate training and hold the correct certificate of competence.
Professional products should never be used by the untrained amateur gardener.
Activity: Can amateur (home/garden) products be used in areas outside of this area, for example in areas generally accessed by the public? Give reasons for your answer.
Activity: Can a professional product be used in a home garden situation? Give reasons for your answer.
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If someone is employed or self-employed and uses pesticides as part of their work, they can use an amateur (home garden product) at their place of work.
If they already use pesticides as part of a work activity, then they should have undergone appropriate training in the use of pesticides and be able to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify the risks associated with using the product. This applies to any situation in which you might wish to use an amateur product. If the person using an amateur product as part of their work has not been trained then, as an employer or self-employed person, you must undertake a risk assessment to identify people who might be harmed by the use of the product. This includes employees, other workers and members of the public. This assessment may identify the need for training to ensure the competence of the person using chemicals in areas accessed by the public to safeguard themselves and others.
If amateur products are to be used alongside professional products, then a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment may need to be undertaken.
The Plant Protection Sustainable Use Regulations state that: ‘No person shall use a plant protection product authorised for professional use unless they hold a specified certificate or work under supervision.’
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National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) update
The following charts provide information on NSTS inspections from 2018 to 2020:
2018
No faults
52%
1 fault
19%
2 faults
12%
3+ faults
17%
2019
No faults
53%
1 fault
18%
2 faults
12%
3+ faults
17%
2020
No faults
52%
1 fault
20%
2 faults
12%
3+ faults
15%
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2020
Number of tests completed (2020):
Number of tests by sector (2020):
• Sprayer
15,736
• Agriculture
13,633
• Granular
1,077
• Amenity
595
• Fogging
51
• Horticulture
478
• Slug Pellet Applicator
424
• Fruit
1,030
The number of applicators tested in 2020 is slightly less than in 2019 (approx. 3% lower).
Activity: Your trainer will ask you to rank the ten most common faults found in 2020. Please complete the table below.
Ranking Test item
% of tested sprayers with fault
1
24.95%
2
17.99%
3
16.32%
4
15.34%
5
12.91%
6
11.27%
7
8.88%
8
8.09%
9
7.29%
10
6.31%
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Analysis of most common faults (2020)
• Five of the faults relate to leaks and drips. • One of the faults (hose condition) will become a leak or drip.
So, 60% of faults are all attributed to this one similar issue!
These are all relatively simple, straightforward and quick to rectify, and should be done when they occur to ensure environmental problems are avoided whenever possible.
Activity: What is the most effective method of checking for leaks on your sprayer? Record your answer below.
How many of you use this method to check for leaks? Discuss with the other delegates.
Quite often, it seems faults that have recently occurred before a test are left for the machine examiner to rectify at the time of the test. So, the NSTS test is also a service on the machine, which should not be the case.
NSTS operator check sheet
The NSTS operator check sheet has been updated to reflect the Red Tractor requirement for the sprayer to be calibrated each year.
See Appendix page 60 for full size version.
Note: Three NRoSO points are available for attending the NSTS test on your applicator.
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BeeConnected update
Since its launch, there have been more than 3,900 user registrations so far. These are broken down as follows:
Resource Apr 2019 Sep 2019 Apr 2020 Sep 2020 Apr 2021 Farmers 751 833 1,034 1,122 1,180 Fields 5,203 5,675 6,914 7,606 8,044 Beekeepers 2,059 2,264 2,430 2,661 2,758 Hives 3,386 3,710 3,960 4,286 4,430
Based on 2021 figures, about 70% of the user registrations have been from beekeepers. This is the sort of proportion anticipated given the number of beekeepers in relation to farmers/growers.
You can register at www.beeconnected.org.uk.
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans
IPM is a whole-farm approach to pest management that maximises productivity while minimising negative impacts on the environment. If your farm uses professional pesticides to produce crops, fodder or feed (including grassland and pasture), you should complete an IPM plan. The VI have worked with the National Farmers Union (NFU) to replace the current IPM plan with an improved plan. The new plan will continue to help farmers meet the requirements of the Sustainable Use Directive, which requires professional users of pesticides to consider the principles of IPM before the use of chemicals.
There are now two versions of the IPM plan, as follows:
1. Broadacre Crops – complete this IPM plan if you farm any combinable, forage and/ or field scale veg crops.
2. Grassland – complete this IPM plan if you farm grassland as a main crop. Pesticide use in grassland is dominated by herbicides. Hence the IPM Assessment Plan for farm businesses with no other crop than grass only covers Integrated Weed Management (IWM).
Activity: How often should an IPM plan be completed?
Activity: Who should be involved in completion of the IPM plan?
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There are a number of reasons for completing an IPM plan:
• It will help to demonstrate adherence to the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products identified in cross compliance SMR9. • It will help as a decision-support tool for your farm enterprise – identifying opportunities for improvement. • It will help the agricultural industry demonstrate the good practice of UK growers and support industry schemes to improve stewardship and retain crop protection products. • It may help meet the requirements of your assurance scheme.
Activity: List some IPM measures that could be implemented to prevent and/or suppress harmful organisms.
Activity: Complete an IPM plan by following the weblink below for your area. Each plan should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and is eligible for BASIS/ NRoSO points.
England, Northern Ireland and Wales: https://bit.ly/IPM-plan
Scotland: www.planthealthcentre.scot/scottish-ipm-assessment-plan
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Local/specific issues This part of the Current Issues section will be tailored to your course based on any local issues that affect you, or any specific issues that your trainer(s) feel are relevant to you. Your trainer may present up to three topics; you can make notes below.
1.
2.
3.
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Notes
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Adjuvants Within the Adjuvants
section of this workshop, we will cover the following:
Background to adjuvants Adjuvant approvals
Adjuvant groups Adjuvant activity Why should you consider using an adjuvant? Summary
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Background to adjuvants
Activity: Complete the blanks below using information provided by your trainer.
Only around
of applied pesticides reach their target. As little as
of
applied pesticides reach the site of action. Around drift, leaching into the soil or into ground water.
of pesticides miss the target and go off into the environment as spray
(David Pimentel & Others, Cornell University, USA, research: 1986–2006)
This leads to:
• higher costs to the grower • potential damage to the environment • negative public image • inconsistent performance.
Adjuvant approvals
Registered products All adjuvants are registered with CRD. All registered adjuvants have an approval (ADJ) number, crop approvals, growth stage cut-off, etc. Adjuvants are searchable on the CRD site by brand name, adjuvant number, crop, etc. Please visit: https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/adjuvants/Search.aspx.
Non-registered products Examples are as follows: • pod stickers • water conditioners • drift retardants.
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Adjuvant groups
Activity: Complete the table below using information provided by your trainer.
Adjuvant type
Adjuvant group
Example products
Mineral oils
Vegetable oils
Adjuvant oil
Methylated seed oils
MSO/Wetter mix
Oil/Penetrant
–
Cationic
Cationic/Non-ionic mix
Wetters/ Spreaders
Non-ionic
Anionic
Dilute organosilicones
Super spreaders Concentrated organosilicones
Pure acidifier
Acidifiers
Acidifier/penetration agent
Sticker/Wetter combination
Dilute OS + stickers
Latex
Stickers/ Deposition agents
Terpenes/Pinolenes
Pyrolidone
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Adjuvant activity An adjuvant is a substance that is added to a pesticide product or pesticide spray mixture to enhance the pesticide›s performance and/ or the physical properties of the spray mixture. Limiting factors that affect the performance of plant protection products are as follows:
• variable weather conditions (low temperatures and rain showers) • poor water quality • resistance.
Activity: Fill in the missing words below to indicate the adjuvant activity:
W
S
S
P
Applying plant protection products is a highly inefficient process. Some of the main reasons for this are as follows:
• spray drift/volatilisation/evaporation • method of application • incompatibility in the spray mix (especially with cold water).
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Adjuvants are a cost-effective way of ensuring that we maximise the performance of the plant protection products.
• Adjuvants can also help protect the environment by: • improving the performance and spray quality of the partner product
• reducing drift and loss of product to the soil and minimising impact on non-targets • helping reduce leaching of plant protection products in the soil environment • minimising detrimental effects on the environment.
Why aren’t adjuvants included in the pesticide formulation?
Activity: List the reasons why adjuvants aren’t included in the pesticide formulation.
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Why should you consider using an adjuvant?
Our pesticide product contains:
• water • co-formulants
• anti-foam • anti-freeze • biocide
• anti-settling agent • dispersing agent • active substance.
Activity: List other considerations when deciding if an adjuvant is required.
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Improving penetration
Untreated:
Herbicide alone:
Herbicide + Interagro Adjuvant:
Herbicide + 0.1% organosilicone:
Normal
Photosynthesis Activity
Dead
Herbicide Activity
Poor
Excellent
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Improving tank mix compatibility
Some adjuvants can improve tank mix compatibility. Your trainer will show you some information. Record any notes below.
Soil-applied adjuvants
Soil-applied adjuvants can help optimise the placement of pre-emergence herbicides.
• Optimises dose on the target. • Improves coverage. • Longer-lasting weed control.
• Improved performance in dry conditions. • Reduced leaching – away from crop roots. • Reduced leaching to groundwater.
Zone of Leaching Soil Horizon
Zone of accumulation
Weathered rock
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Summary
Adjuvants in the spray process can help as follows:
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Sprayer Maintenance Within the Sprayer Maintenance section of this workshop, the following will be covered: Electronic sight gauge Automatic tank-fill system Variable agitation system Auto-wash system Sprayer pumps Boom prime/purge/recirculation system Boom height sensor For each component we will cover its use, how it works and possible reasons for it not working.
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Electronic sight gauge
What are its uses?
The information from an electronic sight tube can be used to assist with several other intelligent operations. Examples are automatic tank filling, variable agitation control, setting various alarms/notifications, monitoring calibration/application in the field.
How does it work?
The tank is fitted with a vertical tank sensor rod. This stainless-steel rod contains multiple magnetic sensors along its length.
A float with a hole in the centre rides up and down the rod on top of the liquid in the tank. The float contains magnets that trigger the magnetic sensors in the tank rod.
This system can be easily calibrated for tanks of different sizes and shapes as the float sits on top of the liquid and is not affected by the specific gravity of the liquid.
There is a stand-alone screen near the filling point, as well as a screen in the cab to show/ control the volume in the tank.
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Possible problems
This type of system is normally very reliable, assuming the display has power and the wiring/connections are good. Common problems, however, are as follows:
• the float on the rod gets caught on something in the tank and does not float on the top of the liquid • the operator accidentally recalibrates the system and enters the incorrect level • poor cleaning, for example when a pod sticker has been used and the float sticks to the bottom of the tank.
Automatic tank-fill system
What are its uses?
The automatic tank-fill system saves time, eases the filling process and prevents overfilling.
How does it work?
This system is the next step on from the electronic sight gauge. Electric filling valves are added to start and stop the fill.
The sight gauge shows a live tank content, allowing the operator to enter the total amount required, the system will take into account any volume left in the tank.
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Filling is started at a press of the ‘fill’ button and will automatically turn off the fill when the required amount is reached.
The fill can be automatically stopped at various intervals before the total amount is reached by entering fill pause amounts. Filling will then stop at each pause and the operator will need to restart filling when ready.
This allows the operator the time needed to measure and add chemicals, while still providing clean water for rinsing jugs or used containers.
Another option available is to enter the field size. The calibrated application rate is known which allows the total volume to be calculated; multiple and part loads will be filled accordingly.
On some systems an overfill percentage can be added to ensure you do not run out.
1. Tank could be also filled by field size, operator enters the size of the field.
2. The system knows the application rate
3. An extra over fill % can
be added so the operator doesn’t run out
4. The system works out how many full and part tanks required to spray the field (1 full & 3725L)
This system uses a float, not a weigh cell, so specific gravity does not affect the fill volume.
Possible problems
• The sight gauge becomes stuck. • The incorrect volume is entered. • There is damage, or a fault, with the electrical cable. • The fill valve does not work/becomes stuck.
Normally, the valve can be manually turned to allow filling if there is a problem.
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Variable agitation system
What are its uses?
• It maximises agitation without foaming. • It minimises tank residues when the spray job is finished. • It enhances fast-fill capacity.
How does it work?
Agitation intensity can be set from the cab and automatically reduces as the spray empties in order to prevent foaming.
A reading from the tank contents sensor controls valves which adjust the tank agitation intensity as the level of liquid drops in the tank.
Some control systems allow ‘Power Agitation’ to give maximum intensity agitation of difficult-to-mix products, or to provide an extreme stirring action to recombine products which have separated after standing for long periods, possibly after interruptions caused by the weather.
When filling, Auto Agitation can help ensure maximum fast-fill capacity.
A manual override can be fitted if required.
Possible problems
• There may be faulty valves/positions. • Wiring/air source issues. • The operator may incorrectly use the programme/controls. • The agitation components may be damaged.
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Auto-wash system
What are its uses?
Designed for an easier, faster and more efficient rinse process, reducing cross- contamination of pesticides.
Manufacturers have various names for this system.
How does it work?
Valves on the sprayer can be manually or automatically operated to select various wash programmes.
The aim is to reduce operator contamination caused by contact with the equipment or the sprayed crop.
The process can be completed while in the field, where multiple rinse actions can be carried out (this can be an automatic operation – while on the move with some equipment), therefore reducing the residual concentration in the tank, pump and plumbing.
Water is taken from the clean wash tank and diverted to the rinse nozzles positioned in the main spray tank.
Most clean wash tank contents hold a minimum of 10% of the main spray tank volume.
Possible problems
• The clean wash tank is empty. • There may be faulty valves/positions. • Wiring/air source issues. • The operator may incorrectly use the programme/controls. • The flush nozzles may be damaged, which prevents them from spinning.
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Sprayer pumps
You will now be shown some videos covering the following:
• visual pump problems • types of pumps • pump inspection • pulsation damper inspection
Boom prime/purge/ recirculation system
Due to the boom prime/purge/recirculation system, it is no longer necessary to wait for the nozzles to prime themselves with the tank contents before spraying commences.
A boom prime/purge/recirculation system has been given various names from manufacturers. However, many of the operation principles are the same.
What are its uses?
Activity: Working in small groups, suggest the benefits of a boom prime/purge/ recirculation system.
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How does it work?
(We will look at one example, but it may vary slightly between manufacturers.)
In Spray On mode:
• The water/chemical mix is drawn from the tank through the suction filter to the pump. • Under pressure from the pump (RED hose) any excess volume is returned back into the suction side of the pump via the Ramsay pressure regulator. • Spray mix then goes through the flow meter (rate controller) and pressure filter. • The spray mix then splits via a ‘T’ in the plumbing. One feed is a constant feed to the boom spray line ends. The other feed goes to the MASTER valve. • When spraying, the MASTER valve port is also open to the pressure feed from the ‘T’. This is then fed to the centre part of the spray line, giving three feeds to the spray line, eliminating any pressure drop to the outer nozzles on a single feed spray line at high volume. • Air stop nozzle bodies are used to turn the spray on.
In Spray Off/Circulating/Prime/Purge mode:
When the Spray mode is turned off, two things happen:
• The air stop nozzles close. • The MASTER valve turns into the return position.
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Water/chemical is still being fed to the boom end from the constant feed but is returned back to the sprayer tank via the induction hopper. The spray line pressure is kept at the approximate spray pressure as the water passes through the orifice in the hopper venturi.
When the spray is turned back on, instant spray pressure is achievable.
Filling the sprayer, the clean water takes the same path as when the spray is off. Therefore, the spray lines are flushed with clean water.
Possible problems
• The operator may incorrectly select certain programmes/controls. • There may be air or electrical system problems. • There may be no liquid in the spray tank. • The valves may be faulty. • The pump drive may not be engaged.
Boom height sensor
What are its uses?
• A stable boom reduces wear and tear on both the sprayer and its operator. The sprayer will have a longer lifespan and, because the automatic system reduces the need for constantly monitoring boom height, it means the operator will experience less fatigue and stress. • Headland control: – This raises the boom to a pre-set height when the sprayer is switched off. – It lowers the boom to spraying height when the sprayer is switched on. • It assists when lower boom heights are required. • It may increase spray days. • It aids better coverage. • When turning on headlands, it will counteract the boom pendulum effect, preventing the inner side from dipping.
How does it work?
• Ultrasonic sensors work by sending out a soundwave at a frequency above the range of human hearing. • The sensor determines the distance to a target by measuring the time lapses between the sending and receiving of an ultrasonic pulse. • The sensor usually has four wires: – 1 = 12v supply – 2 = earth – 3 = trigger – 4 = eco, and works in a specific height range.
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The number of sensors and positioning will depend on the boom and its ability to hydraulically control its geometry.
Contour following booms
• These can lift each boom wing independently (and lower if negative incline is available) to better mould to the shape of the target. • They allow a greater ability to maintain an average nozzle to target height across more of the boom width and they react faster than fixed boom controls, which use only height and tilt controls.
Booms with below horizontal incline can also be controlled.
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Possible problems
• A common fault is due to the sensor losing power or an earth connection. This can easily be checked with a multi meter. If the trigger or eco signal is lost, this cannot be checked with a multi meter but would require an oscilloscope. • Often the fault is not with the sensor but the cable to the sensor, as this goes around the boom hinge points. It can be easily damaged over time due to folding/ unfolding of the boom. • Sometimes, if the sensor is too high or too low, it can go ‘out of range’, giving the impression that the sensor is faulty. • Correct settings and fine tuning of height/target/sensitivity/stability, etc. are the key factors in getting the best from the auto boom height control, along with routine maintenance on boom wearing points, lubrication and adjustments.
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Application and Technology Within the Application and Technology section of this workshop, the following will be covered:
Closed transfer system update Nozzle update – four-star ratings Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition
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Closed transfer system update The number of agricultural industry leaders committed to providing access to closed transfer systems (CTS) continues to grow.
The following manufacturers are planning to introduce easyconnect CTS into the European market from 2021/2022:
• Adama • BASF • Bayer • Certis Europe • Corteva Agriscience • Nufarm • Syngenta
The growing number of supporters of the easyconnect system steadily increases the number of products equipped with the easyconnect cap, giving farmers a broad choice.
The first market launch is expected in Denmark and the Netherlands in 2021, followed by France, Germany and the United Kingdom in 2022. Other countries are likely to follow.
Developed by BASF in collaboration with third-party equipment manufacturers, easyconnect has been extensively tested on-farm across Europe since 2015. Based on farmers’ feedback, the system has been steadily improved in terms of handling and speed, making filling faster than via the commonly used induction hopper.
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Nozzle update – four-star ratings As manufacturers continue to produce nozzles capable of 90% drift reduction, it is worth visiting the HSE website to check for current approvals. Step 1: Visit https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/SprayEquipment/Search.aspx. Step 2: Select a Low Drift Rating from the dropdown box and then click ‘Get Results’.
Step 3: Select a nozzle from the list provided and click ‘View Equipment details’.
You will then be presented with full details for the selected nozzle as follows:
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Nozzle spacing (50cm vs 25cm) When purchasing a replacement sprayer there are many choices to be made, including which nozzle spacing to use.
For quite some time, sprayers have been sold with standard 50cm nozzle spacing that, when used with 110˚ fan nozzles at 50cm above the target, will give the correct coverage.
There is now an option to go for 25cm nozzle spacing, but are there any benefits or is it simply a way to ask farmers to spend more money?
Activity: In the spaces below include as many advantages and disadvantages for each option as you can think of.
Advantages of 50cm spacing:
Disadvantages of 50cm spacing:
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Advantages of 25cm spacing:
Disadvantages of 25cm spacing:
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Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) competition The aim of FSOOTY is to find the best Farm Sprayer Operator in the UK. The award seeks to reward the country’s top sprayer operators, while also sharing the practical tips and best practice that can help all operators enhance results and protect the environment.
The application of crop protection products is one of the most complex challenges faced on a farm. From filling the sprayer, through applying the spray, to disposing of the empty containers, the operator is faced with many possible ways of doing the job. The use of plant protection products is under constant scrutiny, so it is important to use them safely and efficiently in a way that meets crop needs, as well as public, operator and environmental safety. It’s a delicate balance, but for many operators, it comes as second nature. The FSOOTY award aims to recognise this professional approach and help encourage further improvements. It’s not about having the latest kit. If you can demonstrate ingenuity and an ability to meet these varying objectives by using agrochemicals sensibly, then you are in with a chance of winning.
As part of the application process, entrants are required to answer a series of questions and submit a useful top tip.
The application window for the 2022 competition is
.
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FSOOTY example questions and answers Below are examples of past FSOOTY applicant questions with the correct answers highlighted in bold . Any reference to product names may no longer be relevant!
1. What output (l/min) do you get from a 05 Defy 3D nozzle at 3-bar pressure?
a) 1.6l/min b) 1.8l/min c) 2.0l/min
2. The recommended boom height for a 1100 Fan Jet is 50cm above the crop. If the boom is operated at 70cm above the crop, by how much will drift be increased?
a) More than 7x b) More than 4x c) More than 2x d) More than 1.4x
3. The single most important aspect for improved chemical efficacy is:
a) timing b) water volume c) spray quality d) forward speed
4. If your chemical store has a maximum capacity of 60,000m3 what should your bunding be able to contain?
a) 55,000m3 b) 60,000m3 c) 66,000m3 d) 80,000m3
5. When tank mixing a range of formulations, which one should you always add last ?
a) Trace Element (Manganese Sulphate Powder) b) Suspension Concentrate (Amistar) c) Emulsifiable Concentrate (Axial) d) Water Dispersible Granule (Aphox)
For further information please visit: www.syngenta.co.uk/fsooty.
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Review and Reflection
Activity: Following this annual training event, list three things that you will do differently at work. Record them below.
1.
2.
3.
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Appendices
Appendix 1: Bentazone Appendix 2: Propyzamide Appendix 3: Plant protection product applicator check sheet
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Bentazone
Updated August 2021
Protect water to keep bentazone as a weed control option Bentazone has been identified in official UK surveys as the approved herbicide with the most frequent exceedances of legal limits in groundwater, and is also increasingly found in surface water. Unless extreme care is taken to protect water from bentazone, there is a serious risk that its use may be restricted or lost. How does bentazone get to water • Bentazone is extremely soluble in water and highly mobile in soil. • All pathways matter. Bentazone may leach to groundwater on vulnerable soils. Surface water may be reached via drain flow, surface runoff or spray drift. How best to use this active • Avoid use of bentazone on soils vulnerable to groundwater leaching, e.g. - soils on chalk/limestone that are shallow (<30-35cm) and stony (>10% of surface area) - shallow (<30-35cm) soils on sandstone - soils with shallow groundwater (<1m below surface) - soils with low organic carbon content (<1% OC) • Do not apply if heavy rainfall is likely within 48 hours. • Avoid application when drains are flowing or likely to flow within 7 days. D o not apply in autumn/winter . Follow basic water protection advice • Point pollution sources (farmyard runoff, spillages) must be avoided. • Take care when filling and cleaning the sprayer. • Use a minimum 6m grass buffer strip or 5m no-spray zone adjacent to watercourses. • Do not apply if soils are dry, cracked or saturated.
New: High Risk Planning and Mapping Tool
Quickly and easily identify fields in HIGH RISK areas to avoid placing crops that may need bentazone in vulnerable fields, and to check field risk in season: https://bit.ly/BetterBentazoneTogether Reducing the risk • Do not apply more than 1000 g ai/ha/year • Do not use bentazone on:- - soils on chalk/limestone that are shallow (<30-35cm) and stony (>10% of surface area) - shallow (<30-35cm) soils on sandstone - soils with shallow groundwater (<1m below surface) - soils with low organic carbon (<1% OC) On other soils:-
• Always follow the advice on the left hand side of this sheet. • In addition, if at least 3 of the following criteria are met, then the risks to water will be significantly reduced:- 1. Heavy rainfall is unlikely within 48 hours 2. Field drains are not flowing and are unlikely to flow within 7 days of application 3. There are no field drains in the field 4. Field slope is less than 5% (a 5% gradient is 1m fall in 20m) 5. The field is not bordered by a watercourse 6. Application occurs in spring/summer after 1st April
3 or 7
NEW - Visit the Better Bentazone Together webpage for more info: https://bit.ly/BetterBentazoneTogether
For further information visit www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
© The Voluntary Initiative Community Interest Company
Propyzamide
Keep it Clean
Introduction Propyzamide is key to controlling grassweeds, especially blackgrass, in oilseed rape. With no known resistance, propyzamide can help manage and reduce the blackgrass burden across the rotation. After heavy rain events however, there is a risk that propyzamide could get into surface water from field run-off or through field drains. Appropriate planning, management, and adoption of stewardship practices must be followed to reduce this risk. How to stop propyzamide reaching water All pathways matter. Follow basic water protection advice:- • T ake care when filling and cleaning the sprayer. • Use 6m grass buffer strip, or 5m no-spray zone, beside water courses. • Discuss cultivation and spray timing with your BASIS registered adviser. • Manage soils and tramlines to avoid surface run-off or erosion. • Do not apply when soils are cracked, dry or saturated. • Do not apply propyzamide if heavy rainfall is expected within 48 hours of application. How best to use the products • Propyzamide works best when applied to cold moist soils, but this must be balanced with the need to protect water. Soils do not need to be completely saturated. Where practical, avoid use if drains are flowing or are likely to flow in the near future. Dose • Only use the maximum rate of 840gai/ha for severe blackgrass situations. Lower dose rates of 700 - 750 gai/ ha or 500gai/ha are recommended for less severe blackgrass, other grasses and broadleaf weeds. (see product labels for details)
High Risk Areas
Safeguard Zones # for propyzamide. Discuss how to avoid risks to water from propyzamide with your adviser.
Reducing the risk • Always follow the advice on the left hand side of this sheet. • If at least 5 of the following criteria are met, then the risks to water will be significantly reduced.
3 or 7
1. There is no risk of heavy rainfall within 48 hours of application 2. Field drains are not flowing and unlikely to flow within 7 days of application 3. Field slope is less than 5% (1 metre fall in 20 metres) 4. The field is NOT bordered by a watercourse 5. The field has a 6m grass buffer strip adjacent to water 6. There are NO field drains 7. The field has NOT been deep sub-soiled (below plough layer) or mole-drained within the preceding 6 months 8. The crop has been established with true minimum tillage working the top 4-6cm only or by direct drilling # See the Environment Agencies "Farmers" page to check map: http://bit.ly/EA_Farmers
For further information visit www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
© The Voluntary Initiative Community Interest Company
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Appendix 3: Plant protection product applicator check sheet
National Sprayer Testing Scheme - Operator Check Sheet
Owner: Model: Date:
Operator: Serial No:
Make: Reg No:
Hours/mileage:
Key:
Checked/Completed
Needs Attention Not Applicable
X
Adjusted
A
na
Regularly Mechanical Is the attachment to tractor secure? Is the chassis and structure free of cracks and rust? Are the wheels and tyres in good condition? Are guards, inc. PTO shaft guard, secure and undamaged? Hydraulic system, inc. tracking system if fitted. Are they free from leaks under pressure? Are the hoses and connections worn or cracked? Electrical system Is the wiring undamaged & are all connections properly insulated? Do all the lights work properly? Pneumatic system Is the system free from leaks when under working under operating pressures? Sprayer tank Are the tank/chassis fasteners secure? Free from leaks? Does the lid fit securely and free from leaks? Is the contents gauge clearly legible? Boom Is it properly latched when folded for transport? When unfolded, is it straight and level? Does the height adjustment and suspension work properly? Does the boom return to level when displaced to left and right? Are the break-backs functioning freely? Are the mountings and linkages secure and not worn? 'Spray lines' Are they free from leaks under pressure? No hoses and connectors worn or cracked? Are all valves and filters in good condition? Nozzles Are all fittings and turrets in good condition? Are all nozzles correctly orientated? Are all check-valves working properly? Is the spray/distribution pattern visually correct?
Regularly (cont) Controls and valves Are the master on/off switches working correctly? Are all boom section switches functioning? Can you read the pressure gauges easily? Are all labels appropriate and legible? Is the pressure adjustment/stable? Pressure gauge reading zero? Chemical induction system Are the system and controls working properly? Is it free from leaks under pressure? Are all labels appropriate and readable? Is the rinse system and container wash system working properly? Tank rinse system Is the system functioning properly? External washdown Is the system functioning properly? Personal Water supply tank filled? Is the clothing locker clean and contents complete? Periodically Jug test all nozzle outputs
Date Completed ………………………….
Formally complete and file check sheet
Next test due …………………………………
Comments/Notes/specific items requiring attention
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Notes
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Notes
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City & Guilds 4 Red Hall Court Paragon Business Village Wakefield WF1 2UN United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)2476 857300 Email: nrososupport@cityandguilds.com www.nroso.org.uk
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