Tillage Update - 3rd February 2022

One of the key elements of the sustainable use directive (SUD) is that sprayers must be tested and certified. A properly functioning sprayer is essential to get the best response from plant protection products (PPP’s) and to protect the environment. Ciaran Collins, Crops Specialist has more advice

Sprayer Testing

Following the introduction of the SUD all boom sprayers > than 3m needed to be tested by 26 November 2016 and the test lasted for 5 years. Therefore there are a large number of sprayers that need to be tested ahead of the 2022 season.

A farmer can find out when the test is due by looking at the sticker placed on the sprayer at the time of initial test.

The interval between inspections shall not exceed five years until 2020 and shall not exceed three years thereafter. 

• Tests completed before 1/1/2020 will be valid for a maximum of 5 years and will expire, at the latest, by 1/1/2023.
• Tests completed after 1/1/2020 will be valid for a maximum of 3 years.
• The date (i.e. day and month) of re-testing will be the same day and month as the previous test with the exception of those completed in 2018 and 2019 all of which must be re-tested by 1/1/2023. 

Table 1 shows the dates when the next test is due for a sprayer tested between 2014 and 2022. 

 See below link to the currently list of DAFM approved Equipment Inspectors:   https://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/equipmentinspectors/

 Read more on Sprayers and Other Farm Machinery here

Find out more information and advice from the Teagasc Crops team here.   The Teagasc Crops Specialists issue an article on a topic of interest to tillage farmers every Thursday on Teagasc Daily. Find your local Teagasc office here