lessons learned from the evaluation of a pessl for sprayer calibration
Post on 30-May-2015
411 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Lessons learned and evaluation of Pessl spray calibration machine
Gwen-Alyn HoheiselWSU ExtensionGrapes, Tree Fruit, Other Specialty Crops
Background
What we know ….
1. Calibration is critical2. Good coverage is critical3. Canopy shape can change between crops and
blocks4. We should spend more time on our sprayers,
but….
Our Evaluation
May 27-June 19 we tested a Pessl
1. Can it be used in extension/farm operations to calibrate vertical spray patterns?
2. How are some of our Washington sprayers performing?
WSU Pest Management
Transition Project
The Pessl
Make these bullets, just plain apple, cherry or grape
• Evaluates nozzle output on standard T-jet nozzles
• Assesses vertical spray distribution of any sprayer
• Outputs data to a computer where reports can be generated.
The Pessl
Make these bullets, just plain apple, cherry or grape
Test 1: Nozzle Output
The Pessl
Make these bullets, just plain apple, cherry or grape
Test 2: Vertical Spray Pattern
Spray 14’ to 20” from ground
Our Evaluations
4 Field Days
16 Growers
1 Manufacturer
From Okanagon to Prosser
Food For Thought
Grower Calibrations – Nozzles
3. Even with a defined maintenance schedule still problems
1. Only 1 airblast sprayer had 100% of their nozzles working properly.
2. Range from manufacturer specifications = -43.1% to 44.5%
6’
Grower Calibrations – Patterns Before
7’9.5’
After
Airblast Sprayers: • Almost always a bad
pattern until nozzles corrected
• Easy to adjust
• Can easily keep track of multiple angles for various shaped canopies
Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n
Cropland Tower Sprayer: • Initial patterns were consistently in
a sinus wave • • Pattern was improved by
broadening spray (i.e. increased distance from canopy and angled nozzles out)
• Fairly intuitive/user friendly to adjust
Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n
6-headed tower sprayer (Accutech):
• Usually good distribution, but needed to shift up.
• Confusing to operator on how to adjust spray.
• Easy to adjust angle of entire head.
• No clogged nozzles
Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n
4-headed tower sprayers (Accutech & LectroBlast):
• Initial spray set with heads at maximum distance apart.
• Good swirl, bad pattern
• Bring the heads closer together.
Sprayer PerformanceRemember limited n
The Future
Development Of A Smart Targeted Spray Application Technology Roadmap
For Specialty Crops Hoheisel, Gwen-Alyn -- Washington State University Brunner, Jay -- Washington State University Castagnoli, Steve -- Oregon State University Giles, Ken -- UC Davis Derksen, Rich -- USDA-ARS Landers, Andrew -- Cornell University Niederholzer, Franz -- UC Ag Natural Resources Pitts, Marvin -- Washington State University Zalom, Frank -- UC Davis Zhang, Qin -- Washington State University
The FutureAn SCRI Planning Grant
Bring groups of people together
Our thoughts Collaborative WorkAsk the Industries to guide our workDevelop a long-term coordinated effort for
grapes, tree fruit and nuts.
The FutureOur Defined Goals in Grant
1) identify application technology needs of producers and manufactures;
2) review and assess existing application technologies plus relevant or supporting technologies integratable to more efficient application;
3) identify roadblocks to adoption of existing application aids; 4) create a roadmap for application technology research and extension; and
5) develop a full scale proposal for research and extension in FY 2011.
The FutureAccomplished by….
1. Literature Review
2. Survey
3. Focus Group Meetings & Other communications
The FutureMost Important Item …….
We listen to you.You guide our efforts.
top related