Calibrating your sprayer shows you are applying 2.5 gallons per 1,000 square feet whereas the label recommends 2.0 gpa. What should you do to reach the label rate?

• A. Decrease size of spray tip/nozzle
• B. Increase pump pressure
• C. Use a larger nozzle
• D. Slow the vehicle speed

Answer: (A)

When you calibrate a sprayer, the amount of product you apply per area mostly depends on how much liquid the nozzle puts out and how fast you’re moving. If you’re at 2.5 gallons per 1,000 sq ft but the label calls for 2.0, you need to reduce the liquid flow. Using a smaller spray tip or nozzle reduces the flow rate, which lowers the gallons applied per area and brings you toward the label rate. Increasing pump pressure or using a larger nozzle would raise the flow and push the rate higher, not toward the target. Slowing the vehicle speed would also increase the rate, so that would not help. So, choosing a smaller nozzle decreases the output and helps reach the label rate.