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Testing scheme’s a hit again
It’s been another successful year for the National Sprayer Testing Scheme, following the release of the 2008/09 end of year report which showed an ‘area covered’ of 82.6%.
Achieving this figure – the target is 80% - required the testing of more than 13,200 machines by 554 qualified examiners at 330 test centres across the UK.
“This year is the most successful in the five years of the scheme’s operation,” says Duncan Russell, NSTS manager. “When the scheme started in 2003/04, we tested less than half the number tested this year. There’s been a steady increase every year as more and more people have recognised the importance of the scheme, and the benefits of using a fully-tested, functional sprayer.
“It’s a complete vindication for the scheme, and a demonstration of how important it has become in satisfying various crop assurance and retailer protocols.
“Moreover, it continues to demonstrate to Government the seriousness with which the industry treats the whole issue.”
Launched in 2003, the National Sprayer Testing Scheme as an integral part of the VI the scheme was developed as a response not only to assurance schemes and production protocols, but also to prevoius research which showed more than half the sprayers tested required repairs or adjustment to achieve the required standard.
Having a sprayer tested under the Scheme provides growers with two main benefits, according to Mr Russell.
“It ensures maximum efficiency, reducing costly downtime, aiding traceability and increasing the machinery’s second-hand value. Worn jets can over-deliver on the recommended rate by up to 5%; the cost of identifying and replacing these will be rapidly recovered through agrochemical saving and improved efficacy.
“Secondly, the possession of a valid sprayer certificate is an instant indication to buyers, assurance organisations and anyone else that you are committed to good farming practice and producing safe, quality food.”
Among the most common faults identified this year were leaks and drips: diaphragm check valves were found to be critical in one quarter of sprayers tested, while static leaks were identified and rectified in one-fifth of tested machines. Other key critical trends were faults with the contents gauge (24.9%), and more general safety-related items such as incomplete or missing PTO guards (9.8%).
“The test remains voluntary for now,” says Mr Russell, “and isn’t a legal requirement, although many crop assurance schemes will say it’s mandatory. However, compulsory testing is common in many other European countries.”
To help operators and growers prepared their sprayers for test download the operator check sheet from below. This can also be used for regular machine checks to help maintain accurate application.
Of interest
1) VOLUNTARY INITIATIVE - www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk
2) Operator Check Sheet(pdf file) and Knapsack Checklist (pdf file)
3) NATIONAL SPRAYER TESTING SCHEME
4) Best Knapsack Spraying Practices
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