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GR a PE GRO WI n G na VIG a TIO n Chapter 2 presents the basic layouts and components for traditional and modern canopy and herbicide sprayers. Diagrams and discussions outline how the various systems operate, as well as important com- ponents like the various tanks, pumps, hoses and valves. The next chapter is devoted to nozzles. Although nozzles are small components of a sprayer, they are extremely impor- tant ones and a primary determinant of the spray quality and application. The author lists the functions, features, materials and the properties of each, in- cluding life expectancies, wear and how to clean them. Next is a detailed descrip- tion and illustrations of nozzle types, in- cluding cone, hollow cone, fan, air shear, air induction and rotary, and how they operate. A description follows about how spray droplets are formed, what regulates their size and the properties of different droplet sizes. The end of the chapter lists the major makers of nozzles and their websites. Application rates Chapter 4 is devoted to nozzle selec- tion and calibration. Application rate per acre is determined by tractor and fore he presents a detailed method for calculating tractor/sprayer speed and formulas for nozzle output. Once the nozzles are properly chosen and calibrat- ed, chapter 5 discusses ways of position- ing nozzles to effectively spray the target area and several methods for ensuring this is occurring. Through graphics and discussion, chap- Dr. Landers discusses ways of positioning nozzles to effectively spray the target area. sprayer speed, nozzle size and pressure in the sprayer system. In general, small droplet sizes are used for fungicide and insecticide/miticide sprays, moderate sized droplets for herbicides and large droplets for foliar fertilizers and pre- emergent herbicides applied to the soil. The chapter contains detailed presenta- tions and examples of nozzle selections and calibrations. Other important facts: Slower sprayers lead to more uniform coverage, and greater speeds create vari- ability in spray deposition. Despite the critical importance of tractor speed, the author points out that few tractors have accurate forward speed displays. There- ter 6 presents the range of sprayers avail- able for canopy spraying and how they op- erate (traditional designs, tower sprayers, directed air duct, Italian CIMIS, French Berthoud, Hardi Tango, multi-head fan sprayers, Micron and Protec, and Electro- static sprayers.) Landers has spent years researching sprayers and sprayer compo- nent performance, and some important re- sults are presented in tables throughout the book. A table about a sprayer performance field trial reported that more is not neces- sarily better: The best deposition measured was from a sprayer with the lowest appli- cation rate. Landers was quick to point out that better adjustment of the sprayer is required to give this more uniform cover- age. Another section tackles tunnel spray- ers, a type not used much in the west, which surround the vine canopy capturing spray material that does not stick to the INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER Westec's New Tank Jacket covers the majority of the tank in a 5' total height dimpled cooling jacket for complete temperature control. The tank shell is seamless — making the tank easier to clean and allowing for larger, more effective cooling jackets. Our New Tank Jackets can be used on any size tank: place the dimple jacket anywhere on smaller tanks, to optimize the heating/cooling capabilities. Place fewer, larger jackets on larger tanks, and potentially reduce plumbing costs. You won't find a solution like this anywhere else. Please contact us today for more information, a tour of our facility, and an estimate for your next job. Westec's New Tank Jackets can be built for any size tank, including our portable tanks. 32 Wines & Vines MARCH 201 1Wes_Wn&Vn-J/F-2011 halfpg4c.indd 1 Westec ad for WINES & VINES 2010 (half page horizontal 4c). Version: 12/2/10. SIZE: 7-5⁄8" X 4-7⁄8" 12/2/10 3:35 PM ANDREW LANDERS