Sprayer Technology in Geneva
As part of a local orchard's Pest Management Implentation Project, they installed 2 Hiniker spray control unit retrofits on existing sprayers to allow the farm better control of the volume of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. The farm has seen a significant reduction in total chemicals used since the retrofits were installed. The sprayers with the new volume control units show an estimated 20-30% reduction in chemical use vs the continuous stream of spray chemicals that is typical of an orchard tower sprayer. These units are part of a larger Integrated Pest Management system that includes scouting, determining the economic threshold, and then spraying the minimum amount needed to treat the identified pest threats.</p>
<p class="font_8">The application of various chemicals during the growing season is an important tool to have when growing food. It is important for the health and safety of the surrounding soils and water resources that things such as pesticides and herbicides be applied at the appropriate rates and in the appropriate locations. Smart sprayer technology allows farms to ensure that the chemicals they are applying to crops are being applied at the correct rates in the correct locations. This technology is able to regulate flows through the sprayers and even detect gaps in crops preventing over application of certain pesticides and herbicides. This technology helps to protect the quality and soils and water resources in the area.
