Looking for build ideas for a "Zero Drift Herbicide Applicator"

[hosspuller]

I built a 10' wick applicator from a kit. Had to buy the proper hole saw for the pipe. I made the applicator with a rubber stopper at the end to access the insides and dump the herbicide when done. I attached it to the FEL to be adjustable height. Haven't used it much because it's too slow to cover a 10 acre hay field. It was effective though.

Rosco - Rope Wick Applicators

 

[NormL]

I put everything on hold because of the unrelenting drought. Even the weeds stopped growing making it impractical to start a fight with them. I found a length of 1/2" copper pipe and decided to use it instead of the garden hose. 1/16th" holes drilled 1/2" apart actually resulted in a faster flow of water from the reservoir. That has to be because drilling into garden hose with a 1/16th" bit does not actually leave a 1/16th" hole! So, I wrapped that pipe with strips of old bed sheet cloth and I think I have it!! AaaAnd ---, now it is raining!!! Has been sprinkling here and there for a few days but today we have a real rain with puddles forming. I'll be able to put this simple contraption to the test in a few days. In the meantime, I've also added another five gallon pail so I should be able to double the size of coverage per fill. With several acres of yard to cover, I could be a busy guy for a while. I'll try to post some pictures once it stops raining. Cheers, NormL

 

[mx1alex]

What are you worried about the drift hurting? There's lots of things you can do to reduce drift and still use a normal boom. You can add a drift reduction agent. Use proper nozzles that produce large droplet sizes. Keep your boom as low as possible. Use a hooded boom. etc. But if you're just spraying 2,4-d or something like that what little drift might occur won't hurt trees or other woody ornamentals.

 

[NormL]

What are you worried about the drift hurting? There's lots of things you can do to reduce drift and still use a normal boom. You can add a drift reduction agent. Use proper nozzles that produce large droplet sizes. Keep your boom as low as possible. Use a hooded boom. etc. But if you're just spraying 2,4-d or something like that what little drift might occur won't hurt trees or other woody ornamentals.

Its the nearby flower beds, gardens and fruit trees that are susceptible to damage from herbicide, especially since this is the first time in many years that we are using any chemical controls. The other, and possibly most important concern is personal. Though I'm surrounded by farmland, I have been able to avoid exposure to herbicides. I had to give up the idea of farming as a career because of a serious sensitivity to farm chemicals and grain dust. I'm hoping that with the system of application I have cobbled together the problem of drift will be minimal if any at all. At my age I don't need more medical issues.