Page 16 - Griffin Gazette Issue 1 - 2018

Crop protection for CEA growers –

understanding sprayer options

By Tami Van Gaal, CEA Division Leader while carts provide greater capacity for less mixing on larger
jobs. Look for agitators to keep materials in suspension, hose
Crop quality drives profitability for growers lengths that support your operation, cart maneuverability (see
of edible and medicinal crops. All aspects Dramm Hydra line) and combination drench/spray functionality
of production impact quality, including when drenches are used (see Siebring Fox and Mist ‘R Drench,
fertility, irrigation strategies, environmental Dramm Hydra). HV sprayers tend to be relatively affordable.
conditions and pests. When it comes The main drawback of HV tools is efficiency – this equipment
to pest management, spray equipment will keep your staff suited up longer than other options, which
plays a key role in success. No single means higher labor costs associated with spraying.
piece of spray equipment can address
all needs, and most growers routinely Low volume (LV) spray equipment delivers the same amount
use at least two types of sprayers. Considering how the various of active ingredient to a given area as HV sprayers, but with a
features align with needs will help put the right tools in the tool reduced water volume and a smaller particle size. This equipment
box and help protect profits. produces a mist or fog, without excessive moisture, so the
foliage stays dry. Smaller particles provide better coverage and
Sprayers fall into three categories: high volume, low volume and better canopy penetration. Lower water volume means far less
ultra-low volume, distinguished by the actual volume of spray moisture is added to the production space, an important factor
solution applied. Within each category, options may include tank under conditions where managing humidity is critical. Whether
capacity, application pressure, nozzle type and more. These low-pressure (electrostatic) or high-pressure (ColdFogger); all
valuable features help make the perfect fit, though primary LV equipment is directed by the applicator. Compared to HV
decision points generally focus on particle size, chemical sprayers, LV sprayers save on labor costs by reducing spray time
compatibility, capacity, efficiency and cost.
by up to 90 percent. Advantages in efficacy and efficiency from
Particle size is a key differentiator for spray equipment. Hydraulic LV sprayers provide quick payback on increased equipment
sprayers deliver the largest particle sizes. These high-volume costs. Looking for the best of both worlds? Look to the Dramm
(HV) sprayers are used to apply a wet spray, often just to the ColdFogger, which can be used for both LV and HV applications.
point of drip. HV backpack and cart sprayers serve as the Ultra-low volume (ULV) equipment, including Dramm’s PulsFOG,
workhorses of any operation. Above all else, HV sprayers bring BIO PulsFOG, and AutoFog, use even less liquid to deliver the
flexibility by supporting use of nearly all chemicals and all sizes chemical than LV sprayers and deliver even smaller particles.
of target areas. They can be used to treat very small areas to Of all the equipment options, ULVs add the lowest amount
very large areas and provide precise, directional spray patterns, of moisture to the production space. ULV sprayers excel in
making HV sprayers the best option for spot treating. For this three areas: coverage, canopy penetration and labor savings.
reason, all operations should have some form of HV sprayer on Superior coverage is achieved due to the high number of tiny
hand. While HV equipment can be boom and robot operated, particles, more than 1000X the number of particles per unit area
most HV sprayers are manual tools; a person holds the nozzle compared to HV sprayers. Canopy penetration is excellent due
and directs the spray. Backpack sprayers are universal tools,
to these particles moving easily throughout the crop.

Siebring Fox Sprayer Dramm ColdFogger Sprayer Dramm PulsFOG Sprayer

16 | Griffin Gazette 2018