Cleaning Field Sprayers to Avoid Crop Injury Is it drift or is it a contaminated sprayer?

Sprayer contamination could result in: Symptoms that appear drift-like Crop loss Environmental pollution Reduced effectiveness of the tank mix Fines Lawsuits Loss of certification Loss of income

Sources of Contamination of Spray Equipment: Improper or inadequate cleanout Redissolved residues Contamination from using remix water Poly fiber tanks, old hoses Low-rate actives with highly active molecules Presence of tank mix partners Mini-bulk contamination - repackaging

Ways to reduce or avoid contamination: Use pesticide resistant materials stainless steel tanks Removing enough liquid during the cleanout process ‘Follow’ proper cleanout procedures label information if provided Extension publications Adopting engineering controls tank rinsing nozzles Use special cleaners Use a dedicated sprayer

Steps for cleanout: Work in a safe area (environment and people). Hose down inside of tank Fill tank have full and flush out through the nozzles. Repeat and include a proper cleaning agent. Flush final time with clean water.

Steps for cleanout: Spray and mix/load equipment should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water and the rinsate applied to field (according to label) prior to the cleaning process. Three primary mechanisms: Dilution, deactivation, and extraction Select cleaning agents Commonly use ammonia (not chlorine bleach) Commercial tank cleaning agents or common household detergents (liquid or dry)

General cleaning solutions: Pesticide Used25 gallon solutionDirections 2,4-D amine Dicamba, Banvel/Clarity 1 qt. household ammonia + detergent solution for rinse Agitate, flush some and let set over night. Flush and rinse. 2,4-D ester Brush killers 1 lb. washing soda + 1 gal. of kerosene +1/4 lb. of powder or liquid detergent Rinse inside of tank and flush some through sprayer. Let set for 2 hrs. Flush and rinse. Sulfonylurea herbicides 1 gal/50 gal. water household ammonia + detergent solution for rinse Agitate, flush some and let set over night. Flush and rinse. Other herbicides, insecticides, and/or fungicides 1/4 lb. of or liquid detergent Agitate, flush, and rinse

Web sites with clean-out information: saftyed/dptclean.htm saftyed/dptclean.htm ence/pat30.pdf ence/pat30.pdf or/agguides/crops/g04852.htm or/agguides/crops/g04852.htm eng2/mf1089.pdf