Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 4433 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 197 — Autumn 2017 It is impossible to predict what direction this ‘inversion wind’ will go. For this reason, spraying in this type of wind is extremely high risk for spray drift. Key indicators that indicate an inversion is unlikely We should always expect that a surface temperature inversion has formed at sunset and will persist until sometime after sunrise unless we have one or more of the following: l continuous overcast weather, with low and heavy cloud l continuous rain l  wind speed remains consistently above 11 km/h for the whole time between sunset and sunrise l  after a clear night, cumulus clouds begin to form. For more detailed information on inversions, refer to the suggested viewing and reading list at the end of this article. Conclusion Many factors affect the potential for spray to drift but the main ones are: l the timing of the application l weather conditions l nozzle selection l products/tank mix used l actual spray quality achieved l speed of rig l boom height. The common denominator is that all of these factors are within the control of the spray operator. Spraying under inversion conditions is extremely high risk and prohibited on many product labels — that means it is illegal. If we are serious about preventing drift, then we must learn how to identify when an inversion is likely to be present and more importantly when it has broken. All agricultural chemicals have the potential to drift; it is how we use them that increases or decreases that potential. Therefore, the problem is a human one, not a chemical one. There is a suite of information available but if you are still unsure or need any assistance, please seek advice from an expert. Maintaining long-term access to chemical products depends on us reducing spray drift. Suggested video Inversion YouTube video showing air movement under inversion conditions Suggested reading l Best Practice Guide for Summer Weed Control (Cotton Australia) l GRDC Surface Temperature Inversion Factsheet (GRDC) l  Weather Essentials for Pesticide Application by Graeme Tepper (GRDC) Further information Mary O’Brien M: 0427 358806 E: [email protected] T: @spraydriftgirl W: www.maryobrienrural.com.au ALL FARMERS AND APPLICATORS HAVE A DUTY OF CARE Kieran O’Keeffe Southern NSW CottonInfo Regional Extension Officer In southern NSW, we live and farm in one of the most diverse farming communities in Australia and all our crops (fruit, nuts, pastures, and winter and summer broadacre crops, both irrigated and dryland) can be impacted by spray drift. However, all these crops can be the source of spray drift as well. We all have a duty of care not to impact on others in our community. A recent survey asked 60 consultants across Australia what would help to reduce the incidence of spray drift and herbicide damage. Over 60% suggested that continued education, better communication and awareness were the best path forward. Spray drift management workshops for next spring in southern NSW are in the initial stages of planning. It is the responsibility of all spray applicators to use all tools available to them to be aware of what is nearby, by talking to neighbours, and spraying in the right conditions with attention to spray set-up to minimise drift. Cotton map is produced each season to indicate where cotton is being grown in each region. A series of 10-metre inversion towers is being trialed in northern NSW to help identify when inversion conditions occur. PHOTO: Jon Welsh, CottonInfo Carbon Technical Specialist