About this calculator
This herbicide calculator helps you determine the exact amount of herbicide needed for each sprayer load. All you have to do is to enter the recommended dosage, your chosen water volume, and sprayer tank capacity, and the tool will calculate the precise amount of herbicide to mix.
How to use?
You can find the correct herbicide amount for your sprayer load by following these five steps:
- Find the dosage on the product label.
- Enter the dosage into the calculator.
- Enter the water volume (L/ha).
- Enter your sprayer tank capacity (L).
- Measure the shown herbicide volume and mix as directed.
Example: Dosage 2, Water 200, Sprayer 400 = Volume of Herbicide: 40.00 mL
Understanding Herbicide Dosage
Herbicide dosage can be defined as the amount of chemical material used per unit of land, which is normally measured in liters or grams per hectare. The right amount of dose is important as it is likely that it will not adequately control the weeds whereas excessive dose can negatively affect crops, soil quality and the environment.
The label of the herbicide is always provided with the dosage recommendations depending on the research, crop type, weed species, and stage of growth. Others provide a range (e.g. 1.5-2.5 L/ha), which gives some flexibility depending on the pressure of the weed or conditions in the field.
It is necessary to adjust the dosage to the amount of the adequate water and sprayer capacity. Increase in water volume will dilute the herbicide and this may alter the interaction between the herbicide and the weeds whereas low water volume will lead to uneven application. The concentration of herbicides used in different formulations like concentrates or ready-to-use mixes also vary the quantity required to cover the same area.
Water Volume and Sprayer Calibration
The amount of water is important in the application of herbicides. It dictates the way that the chemical is diluted and dispersed in the field. Using little water may cause weak coverage of the weeds since some parts of them will remain uncovered when using too much water may lead to the poor performance of the herbicide because it will be diluted. The amount of water to pick is influenced by the type of crop, the density of the canopy, and the amount of pressure on the weed.
The calibration of the sprayers is also important. Although the correct herb volume is calculated, the sprayer is not properly calibrated resulting in the application of excesses or insufficient quantities of the solution and thus resulting in poor weed management or destruction of crops. Calibration entails the verification of nozzle output, pressure settings and speed of travel in order to verify that the sprayer has the desired volume per hectare.
In order to receive the same results it is suggested that you measure the actual sprayer output periodically and make necessary adjustments. This will make sure that the amount of herbicide you have decided to load your tank is correct on the whole field. With a knowledge on the volume of water, the correct calibration of the sprayer can help the user to enhance efficiency in application and prevent wastage and environmental damage.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
One of the aspects of responsible weed management is calculating the correct volume of herbicides. Environmental awareness and safety is also important to save yourself, your crops and the ecosystem around you. Herbicides are chemicals that may be harmful in case of inappropriate use and therefore, it is always important to keep the label instruction when mixing, applying and storing the pesticide. Donning of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and masks should be taken during herbicide solutions preparation or spraying. Skin or eye irritation, respiratory disorders or any other health hazard may occur even during short-term exposure.
Herbicides are greatly influenced by the environment. When sprayed during windy days, there is the risk of chemical drift, which would impinge on the neighboring crops, gardens or even the wild vegetation. Immediately after the application, rain can remove the herbicide out of the target area, and into streams or ponds thus contaminating them. These risks can be reduced by maintaining buffer areas around the water bodies, sensitive plants or residential areas. The correct storage of herbicides in closed labeled containers kept out of reach of children, animals and excessive temperatures is important as well as the safe disposal of empty containers based on local regulations.