Basic Guide On How To Use Knapsack Sprayer

Instead of using a sprayer mounted on a tractor to spray your farmland, it is better to spray your herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers with a knapsack sprayer. You will be able to do it more deeply and save on the cost of tractors and pesticides.

What is a Knapsack Sprayer?

A knapsack is a sprayer that sprays liquid through a hand-held nozzle connected to a pressure reservoir on the operator’s back. The knapsack sprayer can be used to dispense liquids such as fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

What you need for a successful application using a knapsack sprayer

– Clean water
– Knapsack sprayer
– Chemical containers
– Liquid fertiliser/herbicide/fungicide
– Correct PPE (overalls, rubber boots, chemical-resistant gloves & face shield)

How to use knapsack sprayers

The most commonly used knapsack sprayer is the “lever operated knapsack sprayer”. If you are using a knapsack sprayer, follow these steps below:

Step 1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using the sprayer.
Step 2. Before using herbicides, test with water to make sure the knapsack sprayer is working properly and there is no leakage.
Step 3. Select the correct nozzle. The nozzle is the part that dispenses the liquid. These nozzles have different sizes which determines the amount of spray.
Step 4. Calibrate the sprayer regularly with clean water and bucket especially when about to use.

How to spray herbicides;

There are about 4 ways you can spray your liquid fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides etc. These are Upward, Downward, Laterally and Spot spraying.

Follow the steps below to prepare and spray the sprayer:
Step 1. Fill the knapsack sprayer with water (for instance 10-L).
Step 2. Add herbicide (say, 50 or 100 ml).
Step 3. Cover the sprayer and shake vigorously.
Step 4. Fill the sprayer with more water (eg 5-L more) until it is full.
Step 5. Spray the weeds with your herbicide solution. Apply according to direction of use per hectare.
Step 6. Clearly record the time and amount of application.
Step 7. If it rains in less than 4 hours after spraying, repeat the treatment (but not if you sprayed Gramoxone).

NOTE: When spraying herbicides, insecticides, pesticide, spray only one row on the same pass; spraying the rows left and right slows the process down. And always wear gloves when adding herbicides.

How to calibration your sprayer before spraying;

Calibrating your knapsack sprayer is simple but can be a bit tasking. It is best to use a pressure sprayer as the pressure gauge ensures that yield is evenly maintained.

Use a pump to generate a constant pressure and operate at a constant speed. That’s why the pressure gauges are so valuable. If your sprayer is not equipped with a pressure gauge, you must work the pump at a constant speed, then choose the speed that suits you best.

There are a few points to consider before calibrating the sprayer. Cleaning, maintenance and operation must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Never calibrate the sprayer with chemicals. Do it with water only.

Servicing and maintaining knapsack sprayer;

Modern pressure sprayers and knapsacks are designed to simplify service and maintenance.

It only takes a few simple rules to keep the equipment in top condition. These include:

• You studying the manufacturer’s manual.
• Confirm any specific maintenance requirements for the equipment, you must thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the sprayer.
• Disassemble and clean each part thoroughly.
• Check that the O-rings are worn and adequate (it may even be advisable to have some replacement O-rings on hand).
• Reassemble the equipment and store appropriately.
• Plastic sprayers should not be exposed to the sun as ultraviolet rays can damage the plastic and shorten its life.

How you can clean your knapsack sprayer;

It’s very important to clean your knapsack sprayer. This prevents damage to subsequent sprays and help the sprayer last longer. It only takes a few minutes. Protect crops that will be sprayed next time – from one use to another, pesticides will kill or damage your crops. If you use a knapsack sprayer to spray herbicides to kill weeds and use to spray insecticides or fungicides on crops, any herbicides that emerge can damage or even kill the crops. Clean your sprayer to protect your crops. Protect perishable parts of sprayer (such as seals and hoses) – clean sprayer by removing corrosive chemicals. Clean the outside of the sprayer to remove pesticides that leak through the cap or fall during use.

Note: Remember to spray only one line at the same rate; spraying left and right rows will slow down the process. To save more time, provide your employees with a bucket of mixed products.