Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The pesticide label specifies the proper methods of application for the
product.
For effective control of turf-grass pests, pesticides should be applied
uniformly and at the proper rates. Liquid formulations are applied in
water by sprayers, which must be calibrated to deliver the appropriate
volume per unit area. Granular products are usually applied with the
same spreaders used for seeding or application of fertilizers (see Chapter
4, this volume). The choice of application equipment may depend on
pesticide formulation and the type of area to be treated. Large, power-
driven equipment may be chosen for large areas such as golf courses;
small hand-operated equipment may be chosen for a home lawn.
Sprayers
Most pesticides on turf areas are applied as liquids with low-pressure
sprayers, which normally deliver spray volumes ranging from 250 to
over 1000 l/ha at a system pressure of 1-4 atm. Many different types
and sizes of turf sprayers are available, varying from small units to
machines with booms 10 m long or more (Fig. 11.3). Regardless of size,
the majority of sprayer components are similar and usually include:
.
the sprayer tank, which holds the liquid pesticide;
.
a pump, which moves the pesticide from the tank to the nozzle;
.
agitators, which mix the components of the spray mixture uniformly
and, for some formulations, such as powders, keep the material in
suspension;
.
strainers, which filter the spray mixture, protect the working parts of
the spray system from particulates, and prevent clogging of nozzle
tips;
Fig. 11.3. Boom-type sprayers assure the most uniform distribution of pesticide over
the turf area.
