Sprayer calibration
The process of adjusting a field sprayer to ensure the precise application of a specific rate of pesticides or fertilizers per unit area.
Также говорят: sprayer adjustment, calibration of application equipment
Calibration is essential to ensure that the actual application rate matches the planned dosage. Proper setup prevents both under-application, which reduces crop protection efficacy, and over-application, which leads to phytotoxicity and increased operational costs.
The procedure should be performed before the start of the season, when switching chemicals, or after changing nozzles. Key factors include checking nozzle wear, maintaining the correct operating pressure, and ensuring a consistent ground speed. Deviations in these parameters directly affect the uniformity of coverage across the field.
Common mistakes include ignoring nozzle wear, failing to measure actual ground speed, and miscalculating the effective spray width. Regular checks are vital because even minor discrepancies can result in significant financial losses over large areas.