Daily Dicamba Update: Measure Wind Speed at Boom Height and Other Tips

There are several lookouts for 2018 to be aware of when it comes to dicamba applications and the influence of prevailing winds as to whether the application can be made.

According to 2017 analysis by the Office Indiana State Chemist (OISC), 14% of the total violative cases had dealt with off-label wind speed. It’s an important factor for applicators to get right, each and every trip to the field.

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  • First and foremost, it is important to remember that the federal label for Engenia, Xtendimax, and FeXapan calls for application only when wind speeds are between 3 and 10 mph, including gusts. So, not only should you be mindful of wind speed forecasts calling for winds over 10 mph, but an especially calm day (wind speed below 3 mph) is a no spray day as well.
  • The federal labels of Engenia, Xtendimax, and FeXapan prohibits application when winds are blowing toward a neighboring sensitive crop. While there is no universal definition for “neighboring”, in Indiana the OISC defines neighboring fields as those that are touching or abutting, or those separated by vegetative strip, fence row, tree row, farm lane/street/county, state, or interstate road, driveways, and railway corridor. Drainage ditches, residential areas, bodies of water, known threatened or endangered species habitats, natural areas and wooded lots, as well as other similar field boundaries, separating a field from a nearby sensitive crop would also fall under label prohibitions. When in doubt, contact your state regulatory agency to see how they define “neighboring” and “adjacent”.
  • Applicators should check DriftWatch, or their state-approved sensitive crop registry, for nearby sensitive crops. Remember, there is no legal obligation to report sensitive crops on this website (for example non-DT soybeans at the current time are not on DriftWatch).
  • Reporting requirements include the applicator measuring and documenting “Average wind speed of 2-minute span, facing wind at boom height” and “Average wind direction over 2-minute span (0-360 degrees preferred over N, S, SW, etc.). Both of these measurements should be taken in the field, just prior to the application being made, and at the end of each application.
  • A handheld wind meter (also known as a portable, digital anemometer) should be included in the applicator’s tool bag given that regulations require measurements be taken specifically at boom height, and most mobile weather apps report wind speeds measured at higher altitudes.

Read more on the label requirements here:

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