About this course

Close collaboration with the agricultural industry, including growers, agronomists/advisors and agribusinesses, has highlighted the need for training targeting agronomist/advisors to increase skills in spray planning and overall chemical application management. This course focusses on sprayer setup and operation to minimise spray drift, with specific reference to the new APVMA rules and the future introduction of Dicamba tolerant cotton.

This Level IV accredited training is designed for agronomists/ advisors with a strong interest in broadacre spray planning, setup and application who could specialise in this field for the benefit of their agribusiness. They can be part of a team delivering a uniform message on best practice spray application.

At a glance:

Location: Statewide
Course duration: See course structure
Start date: Multiple intakes
Number of units: 2
Indicative fees: TBA, GST-free (Nil to eligible applicants)
Accredited Course: Yes
AgSkilled: Yes

Details

Weather

  • Identification and management of inversions
  • Prediction of weather using available technologies
  • Identification of suitable spray application conditions
  • Recording of information according to legislative requirements

Spray Drift Management Plans

  • Definition of drift – droplet, particle, volatile fraction
  • Investigation of nozzle selection options
  • Identification and management of issues re spray quality:
    • Legal requirements
    • Influence of tank mix
    • Matching water rate to extra coarse and ultra-coarse nozzles
  • Examination of surfactant selection and effect on nozzle performance
  • Development of spray plans – winter and summer – for a variety of sprayer setups
  • Case study – Business Research Innovation Initiative – Cotton Australia Challenge – Spray Safe & Save P/L project – Round 1

Chemical Use

  • Match 2,4-D rules to advice
  • Discussion of label changes and the Global Harmonisation System (GHS)
  • Utilisation of labels and SDSs as a tool for hazard and risk management
  • Discussion of water quality issues affecting chemical survival

Calibration and fine tuning of spray application equipment – demonstration spray units

  • Customisation of Spray Drift Management Plans to individual workplace requirements – machinery type, operation speed, nozzle spacing (spray planning) – including 3TS; Aim Command, Pro and Flex
  • Calibration and testing of spray application equipment
  • Calibration and adjusting of fence line jets to avoid under dosing

Implement chemical application plan

  • Development of best practice chemical spray recommendations
  • Completion of post course spray plan for a client
  • Update procedures to reflect required changes according to industry best practice

To be costed (GST-free)

You may be eligible for funding. To find out whether you are eligible, contact a training coordinator in your area.

Managing Spray Application for Agronomists – Level 4

  • Two day workshop
  • Post course work-based tasks

  • Blended delivery of workshop and site visits
  • Learning resources are provided

You must meet the eligibility requirements of the NSW funded training program applied under to secure your subsidised training.

This course is aligned to the following national units of competency:

  • AHCCHM404 - Develop procedures to minimise risks in the use of chemicals
  • AHCCHM405 - Plan and implement a chemical use program


Additional Information

For information on students rights and responsibilities, and the Tocal College Code of Practice see Industry qualification student policies.



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