Growsafe Pesticide Application Methods

Question 1

What is the most common method of applying liquid agrichemicals to crops in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Boom spraying

Answer

Granule broadcasting

Answer

Fumigation

Answer

Thermal fogging

Question 2

What factor most significantly affects spray droplet size in a boom sprayer?

Accepted Answer

Nozzle type and operating pressure

Answer

The colour of the spray solution

Answer

The temperature of the water used

Answer

The time of day of application

Question 3

Why is spray droplet size important when applying agrichemicals?

Accepted Answer

Smaller droplets increase drift risk while larger droplets improve coverage of target surfaces in some applications

Answer

Droplet size only affects how quickly the tank empties

Answer

Larger droplets always provide better results regardless of the application

Answer

Droplet size is irrelevant as long as the correct rate per hectare is achieved

Question 4

What is 'calibration' of a spray boom and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The process of confirming that the sprayer delivers the correct volume of product per hectare as specified on the label

Answer

A method of adjusting the pH of the spray solution before application

Answer

A test to confirm that nozzles are not blocked

Answer

A process of checking that the boom height is set correctly for the crop being sprayed

Question 5

What is the purpose of using a 'flat fan' nozzle in broadacre spraying?

Accepted Answer

To produce a flat, fan-shaped spray pattern that provides uniform coverage across the boom width

Answer

To generate large droplets that fall quickly to prevent drift

Answer

To apply product in a circular pattern around individual plants

Answer

To apply product in an ultra-fine mist for fumigation purposes

Question 6

Under what wind conditions should aerial or boom spraying generally be avoided?

Accepted Answer

When wind speed exceeds the product label limit, typically above 15-20 km/h for many products

Answer

Only when there is no wind at all

Answer

Only when the wind is blowing directly toward the operator

Answer

When wind speed exceeds 40 km/h for any product