Evaluating Weed Control: Sprayer Calibration By Mario Villarino
Evaluating weed control: sprayer calibration
Weed control relies in proper weed identification, proper method of control, herbicide selection (if applicable), time of application and proper delivery of the herbicide. Must of the weed control is more successful when weeds are small, but weeds are harder to identify when immature. Also, high temperatures and older weeds require more herbicide to accomplish the goal. At this time of the year, must of our producers have completed must of the spring herbicide application and are evaluating their success or failure and often the equipment (quality, current usage, etc) become a question specially if the weeds are not controlled. In herbicide- based weed control methods, sprayer calibration is important. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, if you apply too much herbicide, costs can become excessive; you may be in violation of the label; and you might cause environmental damage. If you apply too little herbicide, the weeds may not be controlled adequately. Many sprayer calibration methods are available and can be used successfully. The Weed Busters procedure is relatively fast and simple and can be used for most spray systems. To properly calibrate your sprayer, follow the four simple steps below.
1) Determine Speed: If your tractor speedometer is accurate, you can skip this step.
The speedometers of most “standard equipment” all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are inaccurate at low speeds. If the spray vehicle is equipped with a tachometer, you can use it to set and hold an accurate speed. If not, you may need to buy an after-market speedometer. To determine the correct number of miles per hour (mph), set two stakes 88 feet apart on terrain similar to application site. Hold the throttle at a defined rpm (revolutions per minute) and gear, and record in seconds the amount of time it takes to drive 88 feet. Repeat this procedure at least once, then calculate the average number of seconds to travel 88 feet. To calculate mph, divide by 60 the number of seconds required to drive the course. Be sure to record the speed, rpm and gear for later reference.
Example: It takes 12 seconds to drive 88 feet. 60 ÷ 12 = 5 mph
2) Determine the Sprayer Swath Width: For boom sprayers, simply multiply the number
of nozzles by the distance in inches between each nozzle and divide by 12.
Example: You have nine nozzles spaced 20 inches apart. (9 x 20) ÷ 12 = 15 feet effective swath width. For boomless sprayers, operate the nozzle at the desired pressure on a dry surface. Measure the width of the spray swath. Then subtract 10 percent to calculate
the effective swath width. Example: The boomless nozzle has a swath width of
20 feet.
Example: 20 feet – (20 feet x 0.10) = 18 feet of effective swath width
3) Calculate the Amount of Time to Spray 1 Acre:
Using the swath width and speed as determined above, calculate the amount of time needed with the following formula:
43,560 ÷ swath width (feet) = minutes/acre / (mph x 88)
Example: Sprayer will travel at 3 mph and deliver a 15 ft swath.
43,560 ÷ 15-foot swath = 11 minutes to spray 1 acre / (3 mph x 88) gallons per acre the sprayer
4) Determine the Number of Gallons/Acre
If the spray tank is marked in gallons, fill it with water to a specific level and record that number (such as 20 gallons). Operate the sprayer at a set pressure (20 to 30 pounds per square inch, or psi) for the number of minutes you calculated it takes to spray 1 acre. Record the volume of water remaining (such as 5 gallons). The difference between the starting number of gallons
and the remaining number of gallons is the number of gallons per acre the sprayer delivered (such as: 20 gallons to start – 5 gallons remaining = 15 gallons per
acre delivered). The sprayer is now calibrated. If the spray tank is not marked and you are using a spray boom, use the procedure above in terms of setting pressure and time, but capture the spray from one nozzle. To determine the number of gallons per acre, measure the amount of the spray collected and then multiply that amount by the number of nozzles on the
spray boom. Repeat this procedure on several nozzles and average
the results. The sprayer is now calibrated.
Example: 1.5 gallons collected from one nozzle on a
nine-nozzle spray boom. 1.5 gallons x 9 nozzles = 13.5 gallons per acre
If the spray tank is not marked and you are using a boomless nozzle, you will have to shroud the nozzle with a plastic bag or similar product to direct the spray into a collection container. The total volume of liquid collected over the amount of time to spray 1 acre is equal to the number of gallons per acre that the sprayer is delivering. The sprayer is now calibrated. For any of the above spray systems, if you wish to increase the number of gallons per acre (gpa), you can either decrease speed of travel or increase the pressure and recalibrate. The reverse is true if you wish to decrease the gallons per acre. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Wildcats Marching Band Features 45 Freshman Members
After some special camps for percussion and color guard members, the entire Wildcats Marching Band gathered together on Monday to begin summer band. Wednesday afternoon Band Director Charles McCauley said the band kids are doing great and he added they have had a great first three days of summer band. He said the band members have great attitudes and are working hard.
This year’s Wildcats Marching Band features a large freshman class. With 45 freshman, McCauley said the freshmen make up more than a third of the band. He said the freshmen are learning quickly. McCauley said he enjoyed watching the light bulbs going on for them as they learn things. He said he is working to keep them from feeling overwhelmed.
McCauley said one of the goals of summer band is for all band members to learn to do everything the same way. He said there is only one way to stand, to hold an instrument or to march. McCauley said there are also about thirty pieces of music to learn including the national anthem, numbers to play in the stands and this year’s show songs. He said he hoped the band would learn to march and play the first song of the show by the end of summer band. 
McCauley said if the band does that, they would be in good shape. The first days of summer band have featured the constant repetition of fundamentals.
The Edge Ends for SSHS Athletes
The Edge conditioning program, which ran for a total of six weeks, ended for this summer Thursday morning. Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens was busy pouring over attendance figures for The Edge Thursday morning. He said The Edge was good and the kids did great.
Coach Owens admitted it was a weird and longer than usual summer that made it necessary to put a two-week hiatus into The Edge’s schedule between week four and week five. He said he didn’t like the break in The Edge. Coach Owens said the UIL is considering changing their summer rules to provide some flexibility. He said his preference would be to spread out The Edge by making each week only Tuesday through Thursday. Coach Owens said that would give athletes longer weekends during The Edge.
He said the real proof of the pudding for The Edge would be if athletes show up in good shape for the first day of football practice on August 14. Coach Owens said it would be up to players to try to stay in shape on their own with almost two weeks now before the beginning of football practice. He said some athletes became faster and stronger due to their hard work at The Edge this summer.
All 1379 Season Tickets For Wildcat Football Sold
Wildcats’ football season tickets for this season have all been sold as of early Thursday morning (August 3) making it the earliest sell out ever and only the third sell out in history. Season Ticket Week Coordinator Lynette King said the last of the 1379 season tickets was purchased at 8:45 a.m. Thursday.
Season tickets were also sold out in 2009 after the 2008 state championship and in 2010. The first person in line Thursday morning arrived outside the high school at 2:30 a.m. Doors did not open until 8:15 a.m. Ms. King said only 29 season tickets remained for sale Thursday morning. There were a few together in twos and one with three together but Ms. King said most of those left were single seats. She said all this week it was apparent that everyone was excited about the new Prim Stadium, the new season and the chair back seats available to season ticket holders.
The season ticket team will be at the SSHS Media Center Thursday until 5:30 p.m. and again Friday from 8:15 a.m. until noon. Ms. King said they will be putting people’s name on a list if they are interested in season tickets. She said they will be called if some tickets are returned for some reason.
Update: Law Enforcement Settles Standoff Peacefully; Will Provide Assistance in Follow-up
A stand-off involving Sulphur Springs Police, Hopkins County Deputies and an elderly man with a weapon began on South Locust Street Thursday afternoon and concluded a short time later. The one elderly male in a residence was armed and according to a friend that got out of the house was only threatening himself. Police Chief Jay Sanders told KSST News that the event ended peacefully with local law enforcement assuring the man of assistance with specific issues that triggered the event.
The man’s friend had been told to evacuate the residence if he didn’t want to be involved in a stand-off with police, according to law enforcement sources. The friend called 911. The officers were seeking a peaceful end to the engagement.
Four Arrested Wednesday on Various Warrants
August 3, 2017 – Four individuals were arrested on various warrants Wednesday.
Jimmy De Odell, 59, of Pickton is back in jail after a Hopkins County Deputy served an arrest warrant for Stalking. The incident occurred July 31, 2017. He is being held on a $30,000 bond. In July of this year, he was arrested and charged possession of Methamphetamine when he knowingly pulled a trailer which held another individual causing the individual to fall from the trailer.
Cody Blaine Gregg, 30, of Como was arrested on FM 1567E for a July 25, 2017 Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon warrant. Gregg was indicted in August for injury to a child with intent of bodily harm after a one (1) year old child in his custody tested positive for methamphetamine on June 28. After a lengthy investigation by CPS, the case was forwarded to SCU. A felony warrant was issued for Gregg and for the mother of the child who had checked herself into a drug rehabilitation program in Dallas.
Amanda Lanell Shank, 29, of Como was arrested at and transported from the Lockhart Correctional Facility, Lockhart, Texas to Hopkins County Jail. She was arrested for Theft of Property more than $500 but less than $1,500.
Hopkins County Investigators Corley Weatherford and Wade Sheets arrested Haven Lynn Tennison, 18 of Sulphur Springs for Forgery, a state jail felony. The charge is for an event on July 15, 2017 at an address on N. Hillcrest. Sulphur Springs Police transported Tennison to Hopkins County Jail at the request of the investigators.
“Mark Twain” to Appear at Cumby Student Fundraiser on Friday Aug. 4
L.V. Davis was born at Rt. 1, Cumby, and in his later years has settled in a spot not far from where he started out. His acclaimed career as a performer and as an author was influenced by his formal education at Boles Home of Quinlan, Texas. Today, Mr. Davis retains a soft spot in his heart for students who grab opportunities to excel, and for coaches and teachers who place excellence as an option for their pupils. The public is invited to attend his fundraising performance at Cumby ISD Gym on Friday August 4 at 7pm. The $15 admission per person will help establish two Cumby scholarship funds, the “Lee Gifford Prize” for Robotics, and another yet-unnamed award for English, Speech and Writing Excellence. 100% of the proceeds will go into establishing the scholarship funds at Cumby ISD.
In a KSST Morning Show interview, we learned that L.V. Davis was one of 9 children born into a cotton-farming family, and when his mother passed away leaving a houseful of children including two toddlers, his father had to make a hard decision. He decided to place the school-age children at Boles Home and Mr. Davis states that “that is the best thing he ever did for me”. Especially during high school, L.V. benefited from opportunities to travel and perform in annual Boles Home Fundraising Tours across the nation. He and his classmates performed at two World’s Fairs; Seattle in 1962 and New York in 1964 and sang for President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Outside of classroom studies during the school term, these summer tours provided the students a practical education and gave them a mind for business as well. He graduated with a class of 8 students in 1965, went on to college and soon afterward developed a character patterned after author Mark Twain’s famous lecture tours. For over 50 years, he performed across the country and today enjoys sharing his talent for benefits and worthy causes in the local area. Incidentally, he credits Boles Home for producing a quantity of students who have become professors and teachers, medical doctors, authors, successful leaders and others who have bettered the world.
L.V. and Sandra Davis live on a small farm at Cumby and love to travel when they can get away.
Chamber Connection August 3, 2017
I’m so excited about the upcoming 2nd Annual Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2015, and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected]. Rules and releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
Workforce Solutions of N.E. Texas Ribbon Cutting
Workforce Solutions of N.E. Texas has moved to a new facility and will host a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 8 at 12:00 noon. Join us at their new location, 1513 Houston Street, to celebrate their new space and all the great work they do in our community!
Sulphur Springs Public Library
The Sulphur Springs Library is hosting the last week of Knights and Princesses Summer Reading Program 2017. Storytime for all ages will be held on Thursday, August 3 at 6 p.m. Friday, August 4 is the last day to turn in Reading Logs for prizes. Tuesday, August 8 at 3 p.m. is multiplayer Minecraft. Everyone take advantage of the last week of the summer reading program activities at the Sulphur Springs Public Library.
CanHelp is hosting their 2017 Back to School Fair on Friday August 4th from 3 to 7 p.m.
CanHelp is hosting their 2017 Back to School Fair! Through the support of community and corporate sponsors, this event will be a one-stop destination to prepare the whole family for the start of school! The fair will offer free health and vision screenings, dental screenings and fluoride applications, immunizations for children and adults, haircuts, food and drinks, backpacks and school supplies (for low and moderate-income families of Hopkins County). The 2017 Back to School Fair is scheduled for Friday, August 4 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. You must register for school supplies in advance. Visit www.canhelponline.org for more details.
H & R Block
H & R Block is offering an income tax course to help you learn how to prepare taxes for personal use or for extra income as a tax professional. Chamber members will receive a discounted rate. Also, a $15.00 coupon is available if you enroll online at HRBLOCK>COM/CLASS, or by telephone at 214-326-9004. Class times and locations are flexible to fit your current job, school, and family schedules.
Reilly Springs Community Center
The Reilly Springs Community Center presents Hanah & Hailee, Country Duo, Saturday, August 19 at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.00 per person, and you will surely get your money’s worth. The Jamboree is held at the Reilly Springs Community Center, 109 CR 1439, in Sulphur Springs. Come and enjoy some real country music!
Texas AgriLife Extension Office
The Texas Agrilife Extension Office has many offerings this month. Check them out!
Course: Pesticide Applicator Certification for Private Applicators. The Texas Department of Agriculture requires users of insecticides and herbicides to obtain and maintain a private applicator license.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Date and Time: August 16, 10:00-2:00
Cost: $25.00, which includes lunch.
RSVP to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Note: No testing will be conducted on this day. Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture for exam arrangements. Teaching materials and rules and regulations for sale ($40.00) at the Hopkins County Extension Office.
Course: Cooking Well With Diabetes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dates: Series of 4 classes, September 12, 14, 19 and 24
Times: 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (choice)
Cost: $25, payable at the first session
Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Course: Free Marriage Education Workshop. This informative workshop is offered to married couples, engaged couples, and seriously-dating couples. Come and discuss ways to improve communication skills, marriage expectations, conflict resolution, money management, and more!
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Date and Time: August 26, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
There is no cost, and lunch is provided
Facilitator: Johanna Hicks
RSVP to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-885-3443
Note: Engaged couples who complete this workshop will receive a gift certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license!
Hunt County Regional
Hunt County Regional Hospital is bringing the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach to town on August 24th, to the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can assist with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources, please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 ext. 21. To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Shining Star Productions
Shining Star Productions presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, August 11-13, at the SSISD Auditorium.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance and may be purchased at the S. S. Public Library, Alliance Bank, and The Sewing Queens. Tickets will be $12.00 at the door and are required for ages 2 & up. Performances are: Friday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a special performance on Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. featuring the Jr. Cast. Don’t miss this production!
Finally, the Chamber of Commerce would like to wish Emma Woods a Happy 101st Birthday on August 14!
