Calibration
Effective calibration of your Avadex micro-granule applicator is critical if you are to optimise weed control and minimise off-target granule placement.
Before commencing application ensure the hopper, metering device and all pipework are clean and in good condition, and that the fan/pneumatic system is fully working. Also verify the deflector plates are correctly aligned and angled.
Ensure the machine is accurately calibrated to verify that the Avadex micro-granules are being effectively spread across the width of the boom. Each applicator manufacturer provides specific guidance, and this should be closely followed.
As well as checking the correct amount of Avadex is delivered from each outlet, a patternation test is recommended to ensure the correct spread pattern is being achieved.
Do not try to calibrate ‘by eye’ with real Avadex in the yard!
To ensure operator and environmental safety during calibration, Gowan provides ‘dummy’ Avadex granules, containing no active ingredient. Contact us via phone or email to get your bag.
Loading & Empty Bag Management
Always organise loading and cleaning to avoid point source pollution.
When handling Avadex Excel 15G the operator must wear suitable protective clothing, such as coveralls, and suitable protective gloves.
Even the smallest Avadex Excel 15G micro-granule applicators have hoppers which can accommodate over 25 bags, with many able to take far more. As such, the filling process involves multiple bags being opened and emptied into the hopper.
Care must be taken not to spill any Avadex granules during this process. Similarly, confirm the bags are fully empty by shaking and pulling out any folds to ensure no product is trapped. Carefully fold the empty bags and secure safely prior to disposal. Do not simply drop bags to the ground or allow to blow around the yard.
Loading is best done on an impermeable surface where drainage is collected and drained to grass/soil (apply to vegetated land in line with a groundwater permit) or via a lined biobed. Make sure no Avadex granules can be washed down farm drains or to water courses.
Any spillages must be carefully cleaned up immediately. An advantage with Avadex micro-granules is that, providing the ground is dry, any spillage can be carefully swept up and disposed.
Do not use the field entrance as a loading point if it is adjacent to a watercourse or to any area, such as a road, track or other feature, which could channel run-off water to a watercourse.
Try to ensure that field areas to be treated are measured accurately and you have loaded the correct amount of Avadex Excel 15G into the hopper. This will prevent any risk of spillage if trying to remove excess granules.
Application
Remember, whether the applicator is tractor mounted or trailed, is mounted on the drill or on a set of rolls, anyone applying Avadex Excel 15G must hold PA4G certification.
Avadex Excel 15G granules must not be applied within 10m of the top of the bank of a static or flowing water body, or within 1m of the top of a ditch which is dry at the time of application. These distances cannot be reduced.
During application regularly check pipework and deflector plates for leaks or misalignment.
Do not apply when windy – i.e. Force 4 and upwards. If it’s too windy to spray, it’s too windy for Avadex granules.
Do not apply Avadex if the ground is frozen, waterlogged or if heavy rain is expected within 48 hours of application. Do not apply Avadex to dry, cracked soils.
Apply to headlands last to avoid driving over the treated area and picking up Avadex granules on tyres. Clean mud from tyres before leaving the field, keep tyres as mud-free as possible, as mud on tyres can carry the Avadex granules out of the field.
Clean-down
The cleaning down of applicators must be done with care remembering that any Avadex granules remaining in or on the machine must be disposed of carefully. Do not simply hose down the machine or blow out/clear the pipes in the yard.
Always clean applicators over a lined biobed or in the field away from watercourses and drains.
Summary
Following this guidance will help ensure safety to the operator and, importantly, to the environment, in particular to water.
Always follow the Voluntary Initiative H2OK? Keep it clean guidance – it applies to Avadex granules as well as liquid products.
For further advice and guidance visit https://voluntaryinitiative.org.uk/.
Do not use the field entrance as a loading point if it is adjacent to a watercourse or to any area, such as a road, track or other feature, which could channel run-off water to a watercourse.
Try to ensure that field areas to be treated are measured accurately and that you have loaded the correct amount of Avadex Excel 15G into the hopper. This will prevent any risk of spillage if trying to remove excess granules.
USE PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS SAFELY. Always read the label and product information before use. For more information visit https://uk.gowanco.com/. Avadex® contains tri-allate. Avadex is a registered trademark used under licence by Gowan Crop Protection Ltd. All trademarks duly acknowledged.