See tips from UF/IFAS on avoiding herbicide contamination in the citrus grove from an improperly cleaned sprayer.
In our last blog, we shared ways that herbicide contamination can occur in a citrus grove from a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article. “Even a small amount of leftover herbicide in the spray tank can harm citrus trees,” the article shared. The article also shared ways to avoid herbicide contamination. See the tips below.
Avoid Herbicide Contamination
The article shared these tips on avoiding herbicide contamination:
“Rinse Right After Spraying
Never leave herbicide solution sitting in the sprayer overnight. As soon as you finish spraying, flush the tank, boom and hoses with clean water. This prevents residues from drying and sticking to the equipment.
Triple Rinse and Circulate
- Fill the tank about one-quarter full with clean water and run the sprayer for a few minutes to circulate.
- Drain completely and repeat this process three times.
- Be sure to open all nozzles, including off-center ones, and strainers so every line is cleared.
Use a Tank Cleaner or Detergent
During one of the rinses, add a commercial tank cleaner or an ammonia-based detergent. These cleaning agents help loosen and remove residues that plain water may not wash away. Always follow product label directions for best results.
Clean Filters and Nozzles Separately
Take out all filters and nozzle tips and wash them separately in the cleaning solution. Residue buildup in these parts is one of the most common causes of contamination.
Rinse in a Safe Area
Always rinse the sprayer in a designated area away from wells, canals or tree rows to avoid contamination or creating “hot spots” of herbicide in the grove.”
The article advised that “Spraying until the herbicide tank is empty does not mean the sprayer is clean. Taking a few extra minutes to rinse and clean every part of the sprayer can help prevent damage to citrus trees.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.