Backpack Sprayer Calibration

Backpack sprayers are used widely in agricultural and non-agricultural settings. In agriculture, these sprayers are ideal for producers who grow a wide range of crops, and have multiple pest complexes, for small scale agriculture, as well as for organic applications.

Despite the wide use, backpack sprayer calibration outreach and education is neglected, and misunderstood by most applicators. Common reasons for not calibrating are: difficulty, length of time required to calibrate, confusing terminology, multiple methods for calibration, and the incorrect belief that calibration has very little impact. There also has been little focus on how application technique—the use of the backpack sprayer—impacts product distribution.

This video was made possible with a grant from the EPA Region #1 through the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and technical support from the Chazzbo Media, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and the National Pesticide Safety Education Center.