The latest statement from HSE in which they reiterate
their refusal to relax weather guidelines for crop spraying is
largely welcomed by Chavtrac. We feel it is necessary for sprayer
operators to be seen to be acting responsibly in this matter and
stay within the guidelines arrived at over many years experience.
Air assisted sprayers should not be seen as an excuse
to continue spraying in windy conditions. Scientific and anecdotal
experience would suggest that there is a slim theoretical basis
for air assisted sprayers to have any special dispensation for
spraying in windy conditions. Twin fluid nozzles allow the operator
to quickly select a coarser droplet size which inevitably leads
to inferior coverage. If droplet size is increased to prevent
drift then coverage is often inferior. Droplets containing air
will always be lighter which of course leads to a droplet more
easily carried by air currents.
Air curtain type sprayers may lead to increased drift
where crop height and density are insufficient to contain the
air flow.
Chavtrac have researched, developed and promoted
the high speed spraying system which allows the sprayer operator
to spray at low water volumes but with much increased coverage.
The system demands a special high powered vehicle with specialised
aerodynamics and independent suspension. Operators using the Spra
Coupe have reported outputs of up to 1000 acres per day which
allows spraying to be carried out effectively on days when weather
conditions fall within the accepted guidelines for crop spraying.
When conditions are not suitable for spraying then the the operator
- with his spraying program up to date can afford to wait for
weather conditions to improve.
Recent trials from Morley research station in Norfolk echo earlier work carried out at Silsoe College and show that spraying at high speeds with specialised equipment produces superior coverage with reduced environmental impact. - Contact Chavtrac for more details.