“What nozzle should I use?” That’s as hard a question as “What
tractor should I buy?” You wouldn’t buy a 300 hp tractor to mow your ditches. The
answer to either question depends upon your needs.
Some of the many nozzles on the market can reduce pesticide drift. Would these be
right for you?
Whether a particular low-drift nozzle fits your program depends upon your spraying
needs and how you currently operate. Larger droplets reduce drift potential, but they
may also reduce the effectiveness of the pesticide application. One nozzle will seldom
be the best choice for all situations.
Consider your priorities before making your nozzle choices. Nozzles are relatively
inexpensive, but they can be the most important sprayer component you buy.
Should you be concerned about spray drift?
• Are you, or your neighbors, planting a greater diversity of drift-susceptible crops?
• Are you using more highly active or nonselective herbicides?
• Are you planting more herbicide-resistant crops?
• Are you able to make applications at the right crop growth stage or do you need a
wider window in which to spray?
• Are there sensitive areas (shelterbelts, neighboring fields, rural homes) close by that
you should protect from drift?
• Are you concerned about the effect of pesticide drift on the environment?
• Are you trying to avoid future drift problems?
These concerns have made drift management everybody’s business. Adopting drift
management strategies is a timely and appropriate move for all pesticide applicators.
Whatever nozzle you choose, the chemical label is still the law and must be followed.
If a pesticide label states that the pesticide should not be applied above a specific wind
velocity and you go ahead, even with low-drift nozzle technology you will be breaking
the law. Be aware also that drift-reducing nozzles do not eliminate all drift, they only
reduce it. Spraying when susceptible plants are downwind may still cause damage.
FS 919
Choosing drift-reducing
NOZZLES
Vern Hofman,
Extension ag engineer,
North Dakota St