Managing Spray Application AQF4 - Agronomists
Designed for agronomists and advisors to increase skills in broadacre spray planning and overall chemical application management. This course focusses on sprayer setup and operation to minimise spray drift, with specific reference to the new APVMA rules and the future introduction of Dicamba tolerant cotton.
The reason this course is needed
Close collaboration with the agricultural industry, including growers, agronomists/advisors and agribusinesses, has highlighted the need for training targeting agronomist/advisors to increase skills in spray planning and overall chemical application management. This course focusses on sprayer setup and operation to minimise spray drift, with specific reference to the new APVMA rules and the future introduction of Dicamba tolerant cotton.
This Level IV accredited training is designed for agronomists/ advisors with a strong interest in broadacre spray planning, setup and application who could specialise in this field for the benefit of their agribusiness. They can be part of a team delivering a uniform message on best practice spray application.
Delivery & duration
Two day workshop plus post workshop spray plan assessment.
Day 1
• Introduction/overview of course
• Craig Day presentation covering these topics:
- APVMA update
- Weather
- Water quality
• Overview of assessment tasks
• Guest speakers may include:
- Specific weed control
- New cotton variety
- TeeJet Australasia – nozzles and spray planning
• Practical activity: variety of spray units:
- spray planning/calibration/setup
• Assessment task 1:
- Weather scenarios – two data sets; legislation;
- Spray scenarios – summer and winter;operational checks/ calibration of sprayer; spray plans
Day 2
Review of Day 1 – questions/comments/feedback
• Overview of Day 2 assessment tasks – Craig Day
• Assessment Task 1: continued – more spray plans; class presentation
• Assessment Task 2: hazards, risks, transport, storage, IPM
• Assessment Task 3: continuous improvement, evaluation of procedures to address spray application efficacy
• Evaluation
• Post course: completion of a spray plan – to be emailed
Workshop will cover
Weather
• Identification and management of inversions
• Prediction of weather using available technologies
• Identification of suitable spray application conditions
• Recording of information according to legislative requirements
Spray Drift Management Plans
• Definition of drift – droplet, particle, volatile fraction
• Investigation of nozzle selection options
• Identification and management of issues re spray quality:
- Legal requirements
- Influence of tank mix
- Matching water rate to extra coarse and ultra-coarse nozzles
• Examination of surfactant selection and effect on nozzle performance
• Development of spray plans – winter and summer – for a variety of sprayer setups
• Case study – Business Research Innovation Initiative – Cotton Australia Challenge – Spray Safe & Save P/L project – Round 1
Chemical Use
• Match 2,4-D rules to advice
• Discussion of label changes and the Global Harmonisation System (GHS)
• Utilisation of labels and SDSs as a tool for hazard and risk management
• Discussion of water quality issues affecting chemical survival
Calibration and fine tuning of spray application equipment – demonstration spray units
• Customisation of Spray Drift Management Plans to individual workplace requirements – machinery type, operation speed, nozzle spacing (spray planning) – including 3TS; Aim Command, Pro and Flex
• Calibration and testing of spray application equipment
• Calibration and adjusting of fence line jets to avoid under dosing
Implement chemical application plan
• Development of best practice chemical spray recommendations
• Completion of post course spray plan for a client
• Update procedures to reflect required changes according to industry best practice
Units of competency
AHCCHM404 - Develop procedures to minimise risks in the use of chemicals
AHCCHM405 - Plan and implement a chemical use program
Accredited Training
The advanced chemical spray application course is aligned and delivered against vocational education and training requirements. Successful completion of assessment tasks will result in achieving a Statement of Attainment and can contribute to a nationally-recognised qualification.
Training Provider
This course is delivered by Tocal College (RTO 91166).
Upcoming Courses
Temora - 7-8 Feb, 2023
Parkes - 14-15 Feb, 2023
Gunnedah - 1-2 March, 2023
Goulburn - 21-22 March, 2023
For More Information
For more information, download the flyer below.
How to apply
Places are limited and registrations are required 25 days prior to course start date. Apply through the link below to secure a place.