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 on 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 sprayer 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 conversions for pesticide application