Sprayer Calibration Information
Proper calibration helps growers make sure pesticide applications are applied to the target area at the proper rate. Worn nozzles or other equipment malfunctions can cause some of the targeted areas to receive too much or too little pesticide, which negatively affects pest control. Improperly calibrated equipment can lead to crop damage and increase operating costs.
After witnessing an air blast sprayer calibration demonstration by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Extension at a regional meeting, our extension office collaborated with UNH to create a similar calibration program. UNH Extension trained some educators and staff within Penn State Extension on how to use specialized calibration equipment so that we can help Pennsylvania's growers. We offer this service statewide.
Watch these videos to learn the benefits of having your air blast sprayer calibrated from an educator's and grower's perspective.
If you are interested in an air blast or boom sprayer calibration, please fill out the following form (contact and sprayer information, etc) to request a visit to your facility.
Sprayer Calibration Request online form (PA residents only)
Once you submit the above request, someone from our program will contact you within a few weeks to schedule the calibration visit. In order for us to have a successful and efficient visit, some pre-work is required by you before we come. We have developed a PRE-calibration YouTube video to help you prepare your sprayer(s) and a PRE-calibration checklist to complete before we arrive. The last link below shows an example of the overall calibration process. Please review all the links below to be prepared.
Please note: Due to the condition of an unprepared sprayer, calibration may be delayed until a future date when the equipment is in proper operating condition. Also, due to grant funds, we are currently able to offer the calibration program to Pennsylvania residents at no charge!
If you have any questions, please contact Bob Pollock at [email protected].
Additional Calibration Resources
Airblast 101 has a self-directed online course to teach best practices in the safe, efficient, and effective operation of airblast sprayers in agriculture. This website also has a library of articles, fact sheets, videos, and PowerPoint presentations from researchers and university/government extension specialists across North America.
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