Spray Distribution
Where to use water-sensitive paper
Water-sensitive paper can be used for checking
- spray distribution,
- droplet density from aerial and ground spray applications and
- droplet sizing.
Overdosing is a waste of product. With herbicides it might result in crop damage and claims. With insecticides underdosing might not kill the pest.Calibrate the sprayer and check the spray pattern. Water-sensitive paper helps you to keep the environment clean.
Aerial Low Volume Applications
In aerial LV applications: place water-sensitve papers/cards at 2 to 3 m intervals over three run widths. Fix water-sensitive papers/cards on a rigid horizontal support slightly above the ground or just above the crop canopy.
Airblast Sprayers in Orchards
Airblast sprayers in orchards: staple water-sensitive paper directly onto leaves at the periphery and inside the canopy at the top, in the center and lower part of the trees.
Field sprayer applying low volume sprays
Number the water-sensitive papers/cards consecutively before placing them on the supports. This will help you to spot irregularities in your spray system when evaluating the exposed cards. The correct boom height can also be determined with water-sensitive paper:
- Insufficient overlapping of the spray pattern can be corrected by raising the boom.
- Excessive overlapping is leveled out by lowering the boom.
Field sprayer applying LV sprays: staple water-sensitive paper onto a wooden lath and place it across a single run width. Leave gap for tractor wheels.
Operator equipped with a spinning disk sprayer
Operator equipped with a spinning disk sprayer suitable for herbicide applications at the rate of 20 to 30 litres per ha: staple water-sensitive papers on a lath and place it across a single run width.
