Correctly calibrating liquid spray applications is a keystone of effective spraying.
Doing it right, whether weeding or feeding, is critical to ensure operators deliver concentrations appropriate for the task in hand.
Giving SAGE delegates the benefit of his considerable experience and knowledge will be training company boss Martin Sampson, who will reveal the secrets of correct calibration at his 6 July presentation, from 12 noon to 12.45.
Approved by SAGE exhibitor and leading industry awarding body Lantra, Martin heads up Grounds Training at a time of soaring demand for spraying qualifications.
"Local authorities, schools, colleges and companies are more aware of the importance of training now," he says. "If you are spraying, qualifications such as PA1 and PA6 are legal requirements but increasingly we're seeing organisations wanting to upskill staff to give them the flexibility to spray in house, instead of using contractors."
Martin's 45-minute fast-track presentation is "a slice through how to calibrate, why we need it, what can go wrong if we don't calibrate regularly and the importance of well-maintained kit".
Jointly presenting with colleague Geraint Jenkins, Martin also covers correct choice of sprayer nozzles and reveals his own method of turning calibration from a maths puzzle to 20 minutes' work.
Grounds Training delivers a full suite of Lantra-approved grounds and sportsturf management qualifications as well as Lantra customised provision courses that cover line marking, natural and synthetic turf maintenance and maintenance and management of wildflower meadows, ponds and wetlands.
On knapsack training modules, Martin also focuses on ergonomic aspects of spraying to reduce operator body stresses and strains - using a Berthoud Vermorel Pro Comfort 2000 demo unit.
"From a training aspect, it is simple to use and to explain various points about spraying, which include operator comfort. The Vermorel's back frame and straps distribute the weight of the knapsack and contents in a way that balances the forces on the body. The extendable lance is also helpful for illustrating how to spray safely near water, an increasingly popular course."
