Radio Transcript

Welcome to Agritalk

This week we are going to be talking about ‘Avoiding Spray Drift’.

Given that all chemicals can drift when sprayed, it is essential that management practices be put in place to minimise spray drift. There are 5 main principles to remember:

Number 1
Identify risk areas and manage these areas appropriately. It may be necessary in some circumstances to leave an unsprayed buffer to ensure off-target drift does not occur,
and then come back and spray the buffer later if appropriate, when conditions have improved.

Number 2
Be aware of the weather conditions, taking particular account of wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity and changing conditions throughout the day.
Suitable weather for spraying would be consistent light winds (3-15 km/h)blowing away from sensitive areas with mild temperatures and higher humidity.

Number 3
Select appropriate chemical products and use according to label directions. The use of certain chemicals can present a significant hazard to neighbouring crops, waterways and desirable vegetation. If sensitive areas are nearby reduce the risk of off-target damage by selecting less hazardous chemicals.

Number 4
Spray equipment should be operated with a view to reducing drift. Equipment is available to reduce spray drift, however operator expertise is required to select the right nozzle size and type, spray pressure, spray height and type of equipment to suit the conditions and environment in which the chemical will be sprayed. The two most important factors to consider are droplet size and spray pressure.

Number 5
Communicate with neighbours. Discuss things like sensitive areas, which chemicals are to be used and times of spraying in order to determine how spray drift can be minimised. This can reduce the likelihood of misunderstanding and future conflicts regarding chemical use.

Remember if you cause damage you could be liable.

There is an excellent fact sheet available

For further information on this story or any edition of Agritalk, please visit www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au, click on news, then radio.  You will find a transcript of the program along with lots of handy links to the things discussed.

Information kindly supplied by PIRSA Rural Chemicals