By Luke Fuhrer and Wesley Everman et.al
With Spring here and crop stands beginning to grow, it is time to shift focus to the next operation of the 2026 growing season: spraying. These operations are "make or break" for crop health, whether you are applying weed control, warding off insects, or managing bacteria and fungus. While these operations require financial and time investments, performing proper maintenance and calibrations directly impacts success rates and your ultimate return on investment.
Farmers should pay attention to pesticide labels and alway read the most current version as there may be changes related to the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) Endangered Species Act. Meaghan Anderson, covers this topic in depth and provides great resources surrounding this subject in a previous ICM blog post, "Prepare now for 2026 EPA Endangered Species Requirements".
Safety Note: Anyone involved in these preparations must understand the potential hazards of working on these systems. Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and choose a safe location for any maintenance and calibrations.
Phase I: Physical Inspection & Maintenance
Begin with a physical inspection of all components that move liquid from the tank to the nozzle tips, including but not limited to hoses, O-rings, fittings, and motors.
- Tank & Boom/hose inspections: Inspect the tank for debris, buildup, or cracks. Check the functionality of boom breakaway sections and ensure the boom is level. While checking the boom, make sure to check all hoses are free from any dry rotting, wear points, and holes
- Filters: Inspect and clean both the main line strainers and individual nozzle screens. Clearing debris here is essential for successful calibration later.
- Nozzle tips: When is the last time you replaced your tips? The orifice can wear over time, changing the spray pattern, droplet size, and application rate. These should be checked a couple times per season and replaced with regular use.
- Moving Parts: Check on-board motors, pumps, and flow meters. Verify oil levels where applicable and ensure components are free spinning before an active system test. Listen for unusual noises, which are clear indicators of mechanical issues.
- Feedback Systems: Verify pressure sensors, section control, and nozzle bodies. Checking solenoids or air-actuated valves ensures systems fire correctly and prevents chemical dripping once closed.
Source : iastate.edu