How often should the calibration of pesticide application equipment occur?

Calibration of pesticide application equipment is essential to ensure accurate application rates, effective pest management, and to minimize environmental impact. Regular calibration, at least once per season, allows applicators to account for any changes that may occur in equipment performance or product formulations over time.

Changes in temperature and humidity, wear and tear on the equipment, and even different application conditions can affect how much pesticide is actually being applied. By performing regular calibrations, practitioners can adjust their equipment to ensure they are applying the correct amount of pesticide, which is crucial for both efficacy and safety.

Calibrating only at the beginning of the season, once a year, or every two years does not provide the necessary checks and updates to ensure consistent accuracy throughout the season. Each application can vary in conditions, making it vital to verify and adjust calibration more frequently. Thus, calibrating at least once per season aligns best with best management practices for responsible pesticide usage.