Spray drift events have been at an all-time high due to floods and large-scale rain events at the end of 2022. The pressure to control weeds in broadacre cropping has caused a ‘perfect storm’ for spray drift events in NSW and Queensland and a lesser extent in South Australia.
The urgency and pressure to get spraying done in a timely manner, in conjunction with a drawn-out grain harvest has caused some operators to ignore adverse weather conditions and complete their spray program regardless of the conditions – creating an unprecedented amount of spray drift events.
Widespread damage has occurred in all the irrigation areas in NSW and Southern Queensland but is not limited to these areas or crops.
What is causing spray drift?
Spraying in hazardous inversion conditions is the major contributor to these events. Pressure to complete large areas in a small window of opportunity can result in risks being taken.
Lack of experienced operators and shortage of labour in the sector adds to the problems, together with incorrect use of chemicals such as not following the label requirements. Incorrect usage of nozzles and inappropriate spray quality is a major factor in causing off-target drift damage.
What can the industry do?
The visibility of regulators and accountability for damage that is incurring should be a deterrent. Awareness of neighbours and their properties should be at the forefront of spray decisions. Property owners and managers pressurising contractors to spray in less-than-ideal conditions need to be accountable and answerable to the damage they have caused and the consequences of their actions.
The restriction of chemicals is not what the industry needs. The need to be proactive and the selection of appropriate products and formulations (e.g. less volatile formulations and adjuvants) and use of those products correctly and as per the label is a big step in keeping access to these chemistries.
How to minimise drift events?
Most operators are aware of high wind conditions, but there is less awareness of temperature inversions and its impact on uncontrolled drift of fine spray particles.
One helpful tool that has become available for monitoring of weather conditions can be found by referring to the wand weather inversion system at wand.com.au.
Jointly funded by GRDC and CRDC in partnership with Goanna Ag this can become a tool to guide spray operators in real time weather conditions and thereby avoid spraying in hazardous inversion conditions.
What needs to be done industry wide?
Ongoing education and training to keep up with new resources and legislation. A shortfall of experienced trainers is leading to this being harder to achieve. Sometimes the available education is less than specific to the industry and conditions.
The agricultural industry requires a complete overhaul of training and peak agricultural industry bodies responsible for agchems and farmer groups need to engage experts to provide the necessary support to all agricultural spray users.
The Australian Groundsprayers Association (AGA) has recognised this shortfall and developed a stewardship scheme. The AGA represents groundsprayers throughout Australia and gives members a voice and support. The AGA works closely with other industry associations and government bodies, but does not include everyone who operates a sprayer, such as farmers.
The SPRAYPASS stewardship program has been developed by industry for the spray operators, agronomists and consultants. This will help with standards for application, management and has a code of conduct and advanced skill development opportunities.
Further information can be found at SPRAYPASS.ORG.AU
*Andrew Kennedy has been working in the ground spraying industry for over 40 years. He has been involved in the associations for over 30 years. He is chairman of the Australian Groundsprayers Association and on the SPRAYPASS committee since inception. Contact: kennedyspraying@internode.on.net
