Once known as crop dusting, crop spraying is a type of agricultural service. It involves spraying pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemicals onto crops en masse using equipment such as tow-behind sprays. Here, learn more about crop spraying and what makes it so important to farming.

Why Is Crop Spraying Needed?

Crop spraying protects corn, tomatoes, peppers, tobacco, and many other crops from a host of diseases, pest insects, fungi, and weeds. Diseases, fungi, and pests ruin crops by destroying their root systems, foliage, flowers, or fruit, while weeds compete for nutrients, light, and water. Invasive greenery crowds wanted plants, smothering them. Some weeds, such as pigweed, can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds per plant.

Chemicals such as pesticides make crops repulsive to mice, flies, rats, and other vermin while they are in grain bins or other storage.

Without the agricultural service, farmers stand to lose entire yields each growing season. Even if farmers can salvage some of their crops, it negatively affects consumers because yield reductions lead to produce price increases.

How Often Are Crops Sprayed?

Crop spraying frequency depends on the farm’s location and what diseases, insects, weeds, and fungi are prevalent in the region. Staggered spraying services typically start with “in-crop spraying” in late spring or early summer which takes care of weeds before they germinate. Once or twice a season, farmers should spray for fungi-based diseases and pests. Fruit trees might require spraying every week or so due to their vulnerability to pests and diseases.

To avoid over spraying or applying chemicals too closely together, it is best to consult with a local agricultural service center. 

Purchase chemicals and other farm supplies from Bolivar Farmers Exchange, the agricultural service assisting farmers throughout Bolivar, MO, and the surrounding areas since 1920. Also selling lawn and garden supplies, the company remains known for quality products, affordable prices, and friendly team members. Call (417) 326-5231 today to make an appointment or visit the website for additional agricultural service information.