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Spraying On Target

An autumn break will trigger a great burst of activity across the region, as paddocks are cultivated and/or sprayed in preparation for sowing.

By Department of Primary Industries - 26th April 2006 - Back to News

Further down the track there may be post-sowing spraying for control of weeds and perhaps also for control of pests and diseases.

In the mid 1990s legislation came into force in Victoria making it an offence to cause damage or unacceptable contamination through spray drift of agricultural chemicals.

If spray drift affects plants, stock or land outside the target area, substantial penalties may apply.

It is the responsibility of all chemical users to apply pesticides carefully, and according to label instructions, to avoid off‑target effects. People applying chemicals need to remember the basics in order to minimise the risks of spray drift:

· Don't spray if weather conditions, in particular wind direction, are unsuitable or unstable.

· Use the minimum pressure required and largest droplet size for effective coverage.

· Reduce travel speed and spray nozzle height.

· Use low-drift nozzles.

· Use equipment that is least likely to result in drift, eg shielded boomsprays, spray domes.

· Consider planting vegetative barriers between properties and along roadsides.

· Leave a spray-free buffer zone between adjoining properties where possible.

· Be careful when using spray oils; some may increase spray droplet life and increase drift.

There is a great diversity of agricultural enterprises across the State. This sometimes leads to concern with chemical use where different farming systems adjoin each other.

For example, grape growers are keen to protect their substantial investments from the risk of herbicide damage or contamination from chemicals applied on nearby cropping and grazing properties.

Conversely, graingrowers and graziers may be concerned about pesticides used in vineyards drifting onto their paddocks - with consequent risks of residues in crop and animal products.

The bottom line is that chemicals need to hit their target and not drift off and cause damage elsewhere.

For further information contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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