When it comes to spraying herbicides, it seems everyone has a slightly different method—and for good reason. Geography, crops, weed pressure, and equipment all play a role. But recently, we turned to a goldmine of knowledge: our Key Account Managers, trusted Dealers, and the boots-on-the-ground folks from our Facebook community. The verdict? There are a few best practices that just about everyone agrees on. So here’s a rundown of the most practical, effective herbicide tips straight from the people who actually do it.
1. Let Ground Rigs Handle the Burn Downs
This one was loud and clear. More than 21 folks chimed in saying: let the ground rigs do the heavy lifting on your burn down passes. Why? Coverage and consistency. Knowing the right tool for the job is important. When you’re trying to knock back a thick flush before planting, nothing quite matches the volume and power of a properly set-up ground sprayer. You can cover more acres, use a higher volume, reduce drift potential, and stay on label.
If you're doing herbicide work with a drone there has to be a reason you're not using a ground rig. Spot spraying, wet fields, tall crops, or rough terrain. Your drone’s sweet spot can also come in after the groundwork is laid—targeting escapes, touch-ups, and managing regrowth with precision and efficiency.
2. Low, Slow, and Narrow Wins the Race
This catchy phrase isn't just for show—"low, slow, narrow" is the drone spray operator’s mantra for a reason. Flying low increases droplet retention. Slowing down boosts application accuracy. Narrowing your swath reduces drift and ensures your droplets land where they’re supposed to.
Add a quality Drift Reduction Agent (DRA) to the mix, and you’re stacking the deck in your favor for clean, consistent coverage.
3. Build a Better Tank Mix
When it comes to streaking or poor kill, the tank mix is often where things go sideways. The pros recommend sticking with a reliable combo:
- DRA to minimize drift
- MSO (Methylated Seed Oil) for improved leaf penetration
- AMS (Ammonium Sulfate) to condition water and boost herbicide uptake
Spraying isn’t just about what you fly—it’s what you fly with.
4. Validate Your Setup with Dye Tests
Think your drone’s setup is dialed in? Prove it. One of the most repeatable tips we got was to lay down paper and run some test passes using water and dye. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to visually verify your coverage pattern.
And don’t forget: If weather conditions change significantly—like a shift in humidity or temperature—test it again. What worked in the morning might not fly in the afternoon.
5. Tighten Up and Slow Down When Conditions Get Tricky
Spraying in less-than-perfect weather? You’re not alone. But when the wind picks up or the sun starts beating down, it’s time to dial in your operation:
- Slow your flight speed
- Narrow your swath width
- Raise your GPA (gallons per acre)
- Never skimp on a good DRA
These adjustments help keep your product on-target and reduce the chances of streaking, off-target drift, or wasted inputs.
6. Mind the Weather—Especially After You Spray
Here’s a hot tip: A scorcher of a day after your spray pass could hurt your efficacy—or worse, cause crop injury. This is especially true for sensitive crops or volatile herbicides. If a heatwave is on the way, weigh your options. Sometimes it’s better to wait than to re-do an entire field.
Final Thought
Herbicide applications with drones can be incredibly efficient, precise, and profitable—but they demand attention to detail. The difference between a good spray job and a great one? It’s often a few small tweaks: a better adjuvant, a shorter swath, or a simple dye test.
Big thanks to all who shared their knowledge. If you’ve got a tip that’s helped you spray smarter, join the conversation on our Facebook page or reach out to your local ASD Dealer. We’re always learning, together.
Spray smart. Spray safe. And keep those weeds guessing.
