Effects of wettable-power herbicides on agitation devices and wear of sprayer components

There are numerous wettable-powder spray materials available for chemical weed control. Several, which are recommended for crops grown in Tennessee, were chosen for study. These were Simazine 50W, Simazine 80W, Atrazine 80W, and Diuron.

The sprayer components chosen for study were the nozzle, pump, pressure regulator valve, and agitation system.

The objectives of the study were to determine:

1. The effects of the abrasive action of wettable-powder solutions within normal field application rates on components of low-volume agricultural field sprayers.

2. The agitation required to keep wettable powders in suspension.