Big help. Thanks very much. Pretty much how I was approaching it.
Art Kelly
----- Original Message -----
From: Deveau, Jason (OMAFRA)
To: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
Sent: Friday, April 02, 2010 11:00 PM
Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: AI nozzles for airblast sprayers
Hi Arthur,
I was recently at an apple meeting in Quebec. One presentation summarized a
series of international papers comparing conventional disk - core nozzles to
air induction in airblast orchard applications. Efficacy was par across the
board. I also have it on good authority that ai works well in grapes, too.
You'll need to increase your pressure to match nozzle manufacturer
specifications. As a rule of thumb, they require about twice the pressure
versus a standard nozzle. Generally about 80 psi, but be sure to check the
specs and try to operate them in the middle of their pressure range.
Gallons per acre shouldn't change. Spray the rate and volume that's worked
for you in the past. Nozzling your sprayer with ai nozzles is the same process
as with any other nozzle. Work out your desired output for one boom and divide
by the number of nozzles.
As for row spacing and tree size, again, you should spray the volume and rate
that's worked in the past using conventional nozzles - your method needn't
change.
Again, these are just rules of thumb, but try not to drive faster than 5 km
per hour and don't spray less than 500 litres per hectare. Penetration and
coverage suffer, respectively, if you push these limits.
Does this help?
Cheers,
Jason Deveau - Application Technology Specialist - OMAFRA
--------------------------
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From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net <apple-crop@virtualorchard.net>
To: Apple-Crop <apple-crop@virtualorchard.net>
Sent: Fri Apr 02 20:14:55 2010
Subject: Apple-Crop: AI nozzles for airblast sprayers
Hi all,
I am considering switching over to air induction nozzles for my orchard
sprayer. What is the experience so far in terms of pressure, gallons per acre,
the effect of row spacing and tree size etc? Does anyone have any suggestions?
Art Kelly
Kelly Orchards
Acton, Me
