CHEMICAL company Nufarm and spraying equipment manufacturer Croplands have produced a logbook for keeping an accurate record of chemical applications.

The logbook, authored by Croplands' spray application specialist Jorg Kitt, provides farmers and contractors with a handy way to record spraying information each time they apply chemicals.

The book allows farmers to record weather conditions, the particular product used, application rates, mixing order, volumes and nozzle type.

Even the nozzle spacing, sprayer configuration and operator protection methods can be written down.

Recording relevant spray information is part of acting responsibly when it comes to applying chemicals. Other factors must also be considered when spraying such as the potential for spray drift.

In March, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority released legislation in relation to spray drift management which included new chemical label directives.

Under the new directives, users of agrochemicals must make an accurate written record of the details of each spray application within 24 hours of application and keep the records for a minimum of two years.

The details which must be recorded include the date of application with start and finish times, the location and address of paddocks sprayed, the full name of products used and the amount of product used per hectare and number of hectares it was applied to.

Other factors must also be recorded such as the crop status in regards to weeds or pests, wind speed and direction, air temperature and relative humidity, the nozzle name, the spray system pressure measured during application and the name and address of the person applying the product.

Keeping accurate records is not only a legal requirement, but a fundamental part of best practice management.

There are also liability considerations if spray drift becomes an issue for neighbouring properties or crops.

And accurate record keeping should be practiced as detailed information helps provide good analysis of various products and their performance in the paddock.

  • The spray logbook can be purchased from Croplands for $22. To obtain a copy phone Croplands Equipment on 1800 999 192.