Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

True or False: You must calibrate granular application equipment every time you change granular products.

1. True

2. False

3. Only for new products

4. Only if the area changes

The correct answer is: True

Calibration of granular application equipment is essential every time you switch to a different granular product. This is because different granular pesticides or fertilizers may have varying particle sizes, weights, or flow characteristics. These factors can significantly affect how the material is dispensed. Proper calibration ensures that the correct amount of product is applied consistently across the treatment area, which is critical for effective pest control and to prevent over-application or under-application, both of which can lead to ineffective treatment or potential damage to the environment and non-target organisms. While some might argue that calibration is only needed for new products or if the area changes, these scenarios often still involve variations in application rates or product behavior, reinforcing the importance of recalibration to ensure optimal performance. Thus, calibrating granular application equipment each time a different product is used is a best practice in pesticide application to maintain accuracy and efficacy.