Farm chemicals in Agriculture

Study Notes

Before Application:
- Wear protective clothing (overall, mask, gloves, boots, helmet) to reduce poisoning risk.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions on the chemical packet to ensure correct dilution.
- Ensure all personnel using the chemicals are appropriately trained in handling them.
- Prepare the correct amount needed to reduce waste and save money.
- Use the correct equipment for the chemical in question to ensure accurate application.
During Application:
- Avoid eating or drinking while handling chemicals to prevent poisoning.
- Spray chemicals on calm days to prevent wind carrying them away, preventing accidental exposure of non-target organisms.
- Spray in the direction of the wind to avoid the exposure of yourself and others.
Storage:
- Keep chemicals in properly labelled containers to reduce risk of poisoning.
- Secure them in a locked shed to keep them away from children, unauthorized personnel and animals.
- Store in a well-ventilated area to avoid pollution and suffocation.
- Store chemicals in tightly sealed containers to prevent spillage.
- Store in high cupboards to prevent accidents and keep away from children.
- Store them in a cool and dry area to maintain the effectiveness of the chemicals.
Disposal:
- Break up and destroy containers to prevent re-use.
- Burn plastic or paper containers in a designated area.
- Bury containers away from water sources to prevent pollution.

Sprayers:
- Different types exist including handheld, backpack, knapsack, tractor-mounted, and aerial sprayers.
- Used for applying pesticides and herbicides to crops.
Dusters:
- Used for applying dry pesticides or dust formulations.
Foggers:
- Used for creating a fine mist of pesticides, commonly used indoors (e.g., greenhouses).
Granular Spreaders:
- Used for applying granular pesticides or fertilizers to lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. Example types include handheld, push, and tractor-mounted spreaders.
Aerial Applicators:
- Aircraft used for spraying pesticides over large agricultural fields.

Calibration Aim: Determine the spray volume (SV), the rate at which water is applied to a known area.
Calibration Steps:
1. Select and measure a sample area.
2. Fill the spray tank with a known volume of water.
3. Spray the sample area at a constant speed and height.
4. Measure the water remaining in the tank.
5. Calculate spray volume (SV) using the formula: SV = (Initial volume - Final volume)/ Test Area.
6. Calculate the amount of spray mixture needed for a larger area by: Amount = SV x Area.