General Production 70

General Production - 70
	SPRAY DRIFT IS A DWINDLING PROBLEM Two new spray booms deliver a droplet size that practically eliminates the drift problem. The microfoil boom by Amchem Products is quite effective in reducing problems of herbicide drift (yellow spotting of prune trees and, other crops). Engineers continue research on the Amchem principle, aiming at a simpler boom. Crop dusters may soon be able to place chemicals more precisely for more effective weed control and also increase safety in applying other liquid chemicals by aircraft. COATINGS FOR RICE LEVEES AND CANALS PASSED FIRST TESTS Water-based emulsions were sprayed onto experimental soil levees and canals in 1969. These emulsions (containing modified asphalts and polymers) all weathered better than ordinary asphalt coatings. The best materials are undergoing further tests. COMPUTERS MAY GIVE ANSWERS ON WATER QUALITY Computer studies are underway to predict the behavior, persistence, and transport of chemicals applied on rice lands. These predictions are being verified in field plots intensively monitored for certain chemicals in the flood waters, seepage waters, and irrigation return waters, This work will ultimately ensure that growers can use recommended chemicals for disease control, weed control, insect pest control, and fertilization with certain knowledge of their effects on public waters.

General Production - 70

SPRAY DRIFT IS A DWINDLING PROBLEM

Two new spray booms deliver a droplet size that practically eliminates the drift problem. The microfoil boom by Amchem Products is quite effective in reducing problems of herbicide drift (yellow spotting of prune trees and, other crops). Engineers continue research on the Amchem principle, aiming at a simpler boom. Crop dusters may soon be able to place chemicals more precisely for more effective weed control and also increase safety in applying other liquid chemicals by aircraft.

COATINGS FOR RICE LEVEES AND CANALS PASSED FIRST TESTS

Water-based emulsions were sprayed onto experimental soil levees and canals in 1969. These emulsions (containing modified asphalts and polymers) all weathered better than ordinary asphalt coatings. The best materials are undergoing further tests.

COMPUTERS MAY GIVE ANSWERS ON WATER QUALITY

Computer studies are underway to predict the behavior, persistence, and transport of chemicals applied on rice lands. These predictions are being verified in field plots intensively monitored for certain chemicals in the flood waters, seepage waters, and irrigation return waters, This work will ultimately ensure that growers can use recommended chemicals for disease control, weed control, insect pest control, and fertilization with certain knowledge of their effects on public waters.