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Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
Promoting Proper Pesticide Use and Handling
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Center for Integrated Pest Management

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Calibration
Introduction
Doing the Math
Nozzle Tip Selection
Precalibration
Formula Calibration Method
Ounces-to-Gallons Method
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Drop Spreaders
Band Applicators
Measurements, Conversions, and Formulas
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Skip Navigation LinksPesticide Environmental Stewardship > Calibration
Calibration
Compiled by Wayne Buhler
Page Content

Applying pesticides correctly involves diluting the product (except 'Ready-to-Use' formulations) to the appropriate concentration and using calibrated application equipment. This module is designed as a guide for the proper dilution and application of pesticides. It includes practical calibration techniques for common pesticide application equipment. Much effort was made to keep the text brief and provide an abundance of examples.

Text and illustrations in this module are derived from a 70-page booklet entitled "Pesticide Applicator's Handbook". For ordering information, send an e-mail message to wayne_buhler@ncsu.edu with the words "Pesticide Applicator Handbook" in the subject line. Dr. Wayne Buhler, Professor, North Carolina State University, served as the Technical Reviewer for the "Pesticide Applicator Handbook" and compiled the information in this website. Appreciation is expressed to Dana Babbs, Greg Miller, Sandy Shultz, Brenda Bunch and Grace Jenkins for help with the graphics presented in this module.

A brief description of, and links to, the various topics within this module follows:

  • Introduction
    Explains the importance of calibration
  • Doing the Math
    How to calculate the correct amount
  • Nozzle Tip Selection
    Steps to select and position nozzles on a boom
  • Precalibration
    Prepare your spayer for calibration
  • Formula Calibration Method
    The '5940' method follows Nozzle Tip Selection
  • Ounces-to-Gallons method
    Describes the 1/128th of an acre method
  • Backpack Sprayer
    Describes a simple method for calibrating a backpack
  • Spray Gun
    Calibration of a useful sprayer for commercial applicators
  • Rotary Spreader
    Steps to measure distribution and output of granules
  • Drop Spreader
    Learn several methods to calibrate this equipment
  • Band Applicators
    Calibration for banded application of granules in row crops
  • Measurements, Conversions, and Formulas
    Common equations and coversions for pesticide application
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