Disclaimer: This series is informational only and does not act as a substitute for the Indiana Pesticide Applicators Certification. For more information on obtaining an Indianan herbicide Applicator License please see the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. This is the fourth and final article in the series, to read Part 3 click here. Pesticide and herbicide applications play an important role in managing pests and maintaining plant health. However, improper application can result in off-target impacts—where chemicals drift or move to unintended areas, harming non-target plants, wildlife, and even human health. By using safe application methods and effective spray techniques, we can minimize these risks while achieving optimal results. The following guidelines and considerations will help make your next herbicide application a success. Choose the Right Equipment Nozzle Selection – Sprayer nozzles can produce different spray shapes and characteristics. Nozzles that produce larger droplets are less likely to drift than those that produce finer droplets. Drift-reducing nozzles are designed specifically to help minimize off-target movement. Pressure Settings - Keep your sprayer at the lowest pressure that still provides good coverage. Higher pressure can create fine mist droplets that are more susceptible to drifting in the wind. Application Method - Your application methods may vary depending on factors such as environmental conditions, target species, plant density, proximity to water or sensitive habitats, and the size of the target area. This variation can also affect the equipment required. Methods like foliar treatment with a backpack sprayer, cut-stump application, hand-wicking, high-pressure spraying, and others each have specific tools, skills, and approaches. For assistance in determining the most appropriate method for your needs, consider reaching out to your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or Extension representative for a site-specific recommendation. Applicator Type - Herbicide applicators come in many shapes and sizes, from Buckthorn Blasters which gently paint herbicide onto cut stems and small surfaces to hand-held sprayers, backpack sprayers, or high pressure power sprayers that can carry many gallons of herbicide and dispense them in short order. Understanding the scope of work, your skillset, and target species is essential to determining which sprayer you should use. If you are doing a cut-stump herbicide treatment on a relatively small area of land (less than an acre), consider using a buckthorn blaster or hand-held sprayer. For larger properties or for a more versatile approach a backpack sprayer might be a good investment, and in extreme cases of widespread dense invasive coverage it may be useful to buy or rent a high-pressure power sprayer. These are just a few of the more common herbicide applicator types and there are a wide variety of options available for specialized uses - to learn more about what tools are appropriate for your property, contact your local SWCD or Extension office.
Avoid High Temperatures - Spraying during the heat of the day can cause the droplets to evaporate before they reach the target, which increases the risk of drift and reduces effectiveness. Additionally, plant intake of herbicide can be reduced at extreme temperatures approaching or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Read your herbicide label for guidance on the recommended temperatures for that specific formulation. Using the Correct Formulation Water-Soluble vs. Oil-Based - Formulations Water-soluble formulations are less likely to volatilize (evaporate into a gas), which can reduce drift. Volatile products can move off-target even in calm conditions after they have been applied. Granular vs. Liquid - In some cases, granular formulations may be preferred, especially in areas prone to drift. Granules are less likely to move in the air compared to liquid sprays. Aquatic Safe Herbicides - Some herbicide formulations are permitted to be sprayed in flood planes, adjacent to water, or even directly into the water. Read your herbicide label to understand its environmental considerations and locations it can or cannot be used. Broad Spectrum vs. Selective – Broad Spectrum Herbicides attack a wide range of plants whereas selective herbicides may target a specific family or grouping of plants. An example of a selective herbicide includes Alligare Triclopyr 3 which targets woody plants, vines, and broadleaf weeds.
Spray Techniques to Reduce Drift and Off Target Application Spray Close to the Target - The closer you spray to the target plants, the less chance there is for drift. Use a shielded sprayer for added control, especially in windy conditions or near sensitive areas. Direct Spraying - For weeds or pests located close to desirable plants, direct spray techniques such as spot spraying or wicking can be used. These methods allow for targeted application with minimal effect to surrounding plants. Adjust Spray Angle - When using a boom sprayer, angle the nozzles forward to ensure that droplets hit the plants directly. This reduces the amount of spray that can be carried away by the wind. Adjust Spray Nozzles – Most spray nozzles have adjustment settings to change whether your spray is a finer mist, a stream of herbicide, or somewhere in the middle. Usually somewhere between a mist and a stream of herbicide is ideal as it maximizes sprayer coverage while minimizing drift potential. Spray on the Lowest Pressure Possible – Whether your sprayer is a hand-pump or powered by a gas/electric motor it should be able to adjust the spray pressure for the setting. Lower pressure reduces overspray, especially on individual or dispersed plants whereas higher pressure can make it more effective to pray large monocultures of undesirable plants. Use Drift Control Additives Additives - These products can be mixed with your spray solution to increase droplet size, making them less prone to drift. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use.
Conclusion: When used properly and responsibly, herbicide application can be one of our greatest tools for invasive plant management and control of unwanted weeds. By taking a site-by-site approach to management strategies we can maximize our efforts while minimizing negative effects of herbicide application. For assistance with choosing herbicides, understanding application method, purchasing the right equipment and more contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District or Extension Office.
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