Calibration of sprayers

More efficient and effective treatments have today become a necessity for modern agriculture. And, they are essential in preventing the excessive use of resources, moving towards more sustainable models.

Excellent results depend not only on the choice of crop protection products and the treatment being performed at exactly the right time, but also on the correct distribution of the product. And this is where the calibration of sprayers plays a crucial role.

The control and calibration of these machines are in fact essential conditions in order to optimise the distribution of pesticides and ensure the most effective treatments.

Carrying out a proper treatment requires sound knowledge of the characteristics of the crop protection product and correct dosage of the mix. And it is based on this that the atomiser, nebuliser and/or pulveriser needs to be calibrated, adapting it to the specific needs of the crop being treated.

Every active ingredient has its own distribution method – reported on the labels of the crop protection products – and incorrect settings can affect its performance. So, the sprayer needs to adapt to these variables.

That’s why the type of treatment and calibration of the machine need to go hand in hand.

Before carrying out a treatment, the machine needs to be effectively calibrated based on the product indications to adapt it to the specific characteristics of the crop and area being treated. This will allow us to properly dose the pesticide and define the volume of the mix, to ensure our sprayer dispenses the right amount of liquid solution per hectare, and distributes it the right way.

Only in this way can we obtain the best results and ensure the efficacy of the treatment.

The benefits of proper calibration

The efficacy of crop protection treatments largely depends on how the product is distributed. And to optimise the distribution of the pesticide, making sure it is evenly distributed over the crops without over-treating or leaving any exposed areas, the sprayer needs to be properly calibrated.

Calibrating atomisers, nebulisers and pulverisers means optimising the parameters that directly affect distribution to ensure complete coverage of the crops. And this operation allows adaptation of the sprayer to suit the characteristics of each single crop, and definition of the volume of the mix to be distributed.

This is why calibration is an operation that needs to be periodically carried out. Also because the regulation and routine maintenance of the various components, such as the pressure gauge, filters, nozzles, fittings, and valves, is required by law.

This allows us to obtain more targeted and efficient treatments, as well as minimise any unwanted effects on the environment and human health.

The accurate adjustment and calibration of the sprayer’s components ensures a series of benefits.

• Checked and calibrated sprayers guarantee even distribution and the consistent coverage of all crops. There are no exposed or over-treated areas, rather the exact quantity is distributed needed to ensure the efficacy of the treatment and avoid over-dosing the product. The result is a more effective treatment and a guarantee of the best possible crop protection.
• Establishing the exact amount of product to be used allows a reduction in the consumption of resources and the elimination of waste. From savings on the cost of the crop protection product, to savings on other resources such as water and fuel. Moreover, even work times are reduced. Generally speaking, the results being equal, treatment costs will be lower, and production costs will be reduced.
• Less product is dispersed in the environment. The optimised and rational distribution of pesticides limits drift and dripping phenomena, and creates less environmental pollution in general. The treatments are concentrated on the crops without contaminating the environment and neighbouring crops. All while reducing the environmental impact and risks to health.
• Improves the quality of the harvest. Thanks to more efficient treatments, their frequency can be reduced, thus avoiding crop injury caused by pesticides. And we can have healthy, quality fruit and vegetables without the risk of residue levels higher than the legal limits.

Calibration of Ideal sprayers

As we have seen, correctly calibrating an atomiser, nebuliser or pulveriser offers great benefits. And to make this process even easier, at Ideal we give you a hand.

On our website, you can calibrate your Ideal sprayer with just a few simple gestures, completely on your own.

Simply insert the requested information to know which nozzle or plate needs to be used for best results, based on the number of litres per hectare to be distributed and the working speed to be maintained.

In just a few simple steps, you will be able to guarantee an effective and consistent treatment across all crops, with efficient distribution and which correctly reaches the target without being dispersed, thus minimising the risks and hazards to human health and the environment.