Hole Notes Magazine, Sept 2012
Comparing GPS Spray systems

Hole Notes Magazine, March 2012
Ultimix recognized in GIS

MPSTMA News, Winter 2012
Tips on using ice-melt including liquids

TurfNet Monthly, July/August 2010
Updating an old sprayer with new technology

It is no longer a secret what effect GPS spray controls can have on the management of turf. In 2012, early adopters had the idea that on-screen guidance and individual nozzle control would yield an unknown amount of chemical savings based on a diminished amount of over sprayed areas. What these early adopters soon found out was that there were several other solutions for legacy management challenges that GPS spray control systems could address.

One of the largest benefits revealed was an increase in productivity; how to get spray applications done in a timely manner without disrupting play. As an example, let’s say a common golf course fairway spray application takes two machines, two spray technicians, and eight hours to complete. With GPS and dual nozzle control, that same amount of work could be done by one machine, one spray tech, and in six hours. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s also hard to overlook! Especially knowing the sizable cost of an extra sprayer and scarcity of finding extra spray technicians.

Another valuable factor for GPS sprayers is in the mapping and recording of spray jobs. Being able to see and track exactly where spray chemicals have been applied is a huge benefit. A Superintendent might ask their crew, ’How did it go?’ and the immediate response might be, ‘All good! Everything got sprayed.’ But did it? Within a few days, disease or insect activity might start to show up where the turf wasn’t sprayed as reported. Collars may start to turn brown where the overspray of PGR’s has knocked it so hard that it needs life support. It can also happen where a neighboring homeowner might claim that spray technicians cruised across their lawn and killed their begonias! With GPS spray control systems, having a report of exactly what and where chemical has been applied can be a very valuable tool for quickly resolving the dispute. There is also the reality of regulatory oversight and the need to provide spray application data upon request. Having a fully detailed map and application data electronically available will impress any regulatory auditor.

Having diverse grasses on collars creates an aesthetic that some golfers like, but managing growth with plant growth regulators (PGRs) can be almost impossible with full 4 nozzle boom sections. There is constant overlapping of potentially the wrong PGR on the wrong grass type. No matter what, something is either going to get over sprayed or under sprayed. And how do you train an operator to make those decisions on what side to error? GPS systems can take the error opportunity down to a 20” or even 10” resolution vs. an 80” error.

Perhaps the most appreciated feature is that GPS spray control systems can automatically control each individual nozzle during a spray application based on mapping. The GPS system turns nozzles on and off automatically, letting the operator focus more on piloting the sprayer. This can be especially important around small areas like greens and tees on a golf course. Training someone to spray small areas manually with a conventional sprayer can take a lot of time and will yield many mistakes. Training to use automatic GPS controlled sprayers is very minimal, and the applications will be more precise and efficient. Considering the more tech savvy pool of potential spray techs, it is easier to attract the best candidates by giving them the automated functions of GPS spray control.

We can’t dispute the environmental impact that golf courses have on our landscape. Urban, suburban, or rural. These are environmental gems that provide green space for whole communities, not just the players of the game. Because of this, we are charged with minimizing waste and overall inputs while still maintaining quality turf. If there is a big secret about GPS spray control systems, the secret is 17%! The running average of spray product savings reported by GPS spray control system customers over the last ten years is 17%. Added up year after year, the case is already made, GPS spray control pays back! And it helps turf managers be more accurate, efficient, and responsible.

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Frost Inc. provides advanced spray technology products and services for the golf and turf care industry. Frost leads the market in GPS spray control systems and variable rate mapping services. Other popular products include full-package application equipment, chemical handling systems, and a variety of unique and upcoming technology products including a first-of-it’s-kind, Autonomous Sprayer! Our goal is to make spraying more accurate, more efficient, and a safer experience for your team! Let us make your spray day a better day!

Check us out online at www.FrostServ.com

Hole Notes Magazine, April 2010
Tips on checking wear on spray nozzles

Superintendent Magazine, October 2015
Perfect Spray?

Superintendent Magazine, August 2014
Where are OEM’s on GPS Technology?

The Importance of Spray Nozzles

Spray nozzles are the heart of any agricultural sprayer, determining how droplets are delivered to the crops. Different nozzle types produce varying droplet sizes and spray patterns, which can affect how well the product adheres to the plants and penetrates the canopy. For instance, larger droplets may reduce drift and evaporation, while smaller droplets can provide better coverage on dense foliage.

At Frost Inc., a range of agriculture sprayers and booms are designed to enhance droplet targeting, allowing farmers to apply chemicals precisely where they are needed. This precision is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of nutrients without unnecessary waste.

Optimizing Fertilizer Application with SuperDrop Fertilizer Drops

One innovative solution offered by Frost Inc. is the SuperDrop Fertilizer Drops. These specialized drops are engineered to optimize fertilizer application, ensuring that nutrients are delivered directly to the base of the plants. By using the additional Dial-A-Rate technology, farmers can increase or decrease crop nutrient amount to get the best optimization for the plant. This targeted approach not only supports healthier plants but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices by reducing chemical runoff.

Precision in Plot Management Spray Booms

For plot managers, having the right tools to control spray patterns and volumes is crucial. Frost Inc. Plot Management Sprayers are tailored to meet these needs, allowing users to adjust their spraying direction based on specific field conditions. This flexibility is particularly beneficial during the busy spring season when timely and effective applications can make a plot successful or not. 

The choice of boom greatly impacts the effectiveness of spraying. Frost Inc. provides various boom options, including a Boomless Bar and a 12′ Manual Folding Boom. These booms facilitate precise nozzle placement for various plot management goals.

• The Boomless Bar allows for wider coverage without the need for traditional boom structures, making it easier to navigate around obstacles, like treelines, while still delivering droplets accurately to the target areas. The outer nozzles can spray up to 12′ on either side in a teardrop shape to evenly space chemicals. This distance creates a 30′ spray when used correctly.
• The 12′ Folding Boom is used for direct placement of droplets below the boom. “The accuracy of this option is phenomenal!” Either boom section can turn off and fold towards the middle for a similar flexibility as the smaller boomless bar option. Both options can be fitted easily to an ATV or UTV.

Advanced Spray Technology Creates Sustainability

In addition to boom and nozzle selection, effective spray controls, like the Bravo 180 or Navigator LT, play a vital role in optimizing spraying operations. Frost Inc. offers advanced spray controls that help define spraying boundaries, preventing overspray and ensuring that chemicals are applied only where necessary. This not only enhances the efficiency of the spraying process but also helps farmers save on chemical costs, making their operations more economically viable.

By focusing on precise nozzle placement and effective spraying techniques, farmers can significantly reduce their chemical usage. This not only lowers operational costs but also aligns with sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental stewardship. With the right equipment and strategies in place, farmers can prepare their fields for planting while minimizing their ecological footprint.

Conclusion: Preparing for a Successful Spring

As farmers and plot managers gear up for the spring planting season, the role of spray technology options cannot be overlooked. By investing in high-quality agricultural sprayers, SuperDrop Fertilizer Drops, and versatile boom options, they can ensure that their crops receive the nutrients they need to thrive. With a focus on precision and efficiency, these solutions help prepare fields for planting, strengthen crops, and reduce chemical usage, ultimately leading to a more productive and sustainable farming operation. Embracing these advancements will set the stage for a successful growing season ahead.

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