Planting is around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about prepping your equipment and putting a weed control program in place to keep yield-robbing pigweed out of your field. Conduct a planter tune-up, with specific attention to precision ag components before you hit the field in the spring. From field computers to sprayer and planter controls, GPS guidance steering systems, and wireless technology, create a strategy that keeps performance and reliability top-of-mind throughout the season.
The Checklist
Build the foundation for a weed-free growing season by conducting a thorough inspection of your equipment before you start planting or early fieldwork.
- Flush your system after winterizing.
- Check microtubes, splitters and pumps for old residue. A dirty or clogged nozzle could lead to uneven or improper distribution of a product.
- Inspect your planter to ensure all parts are performing properly and replace any worn parts.
- Perform a safety check to confirm that all lights and safety systems operate correctly.
- Make sure all electronics and technology are updated.
- Calibrate your system. For dry spreaders, it’s necessary to perform a catch test calibration. For sprayers, you can calibrate using your flow meter.
Proactive Weed Control
A successful year also begins with a weed control program including pre-plant and/or preemergence herbicides. An early-season herbicide application will help to delay weed emergence and gives you time to plan your postemergence applications.
With a timely application comes the need for an economical, effective application. Using precision technology to apply the right amount of the right product at the right time and place is fundamental to effective weed control. This is where a rate controller like the Raven Rate Control Module comes into play.
A rate controller uses innovative control algorithms for precise application, helping to avoid skips and overlaps. The result? No unnecessary product applied, allowing the applicator to stretch product over more acres and achieve a more accurate application in general.
Droplet size is another factor in application precision. Optimized spray control systems generate accurate droplet size and coverage for precise, consistent spray patterns, helping the applicator achieve the ideal application parameters for maximum weed control.
For example, let’s look at Raven’s Hawkeye®2. The system provides consistency across the boom, ensuring precise droplet coverage and ultimately optimizing input cost effectiveness. In addition, individual nozzle control allows for the following:
- Reduced skips and overlaps
- Consistent droplet rate and size
- Reduced drift
- Increased application quality
Another unique feature of this system is turn compensation, which minimizes over and under application, achieving the ideal application rate across the boom.
Planting time will be here soon. Is your weed control program in place? Is your equipment ready to go? Now is the time to start preparing so you can maximize your time in the field as you start out the 2023 crop year.