ANSWER FOR OVERHEAD SPRAY BOOMS

There is no question that the purchase of a watering boom/s is more expensive than fixed overhead spray. But in actual fact in most cases when one considers the total installed cost and continual maintenance costs it is false. It takes far far more labor to install a fixed overhead spray system. It takes far far more distribution piping (which was probably not included in your fixed spray price) and labor to install a fixed overhead spray system. It takes far more control wiring and labor to install a fixed overhead spray system. To maintain the systems, it is a lot more work to service and maintain a fixed overhead spray system. Ever tried to clean those spray tips out in the middle of the crop. It is difficult at the best of times. With a boom, simply stop the boom at a open location and clean the nozzles.

One item that most growers do not consider in their total project price is the electrical cost implications that fixed sprays impose on their installed electrical price. Generally fixed spray systems, " making it rain in the greenhouse", requires the use of waterproof electrical devises and installation techniques to conform to code. With watering booms since water spray directed only at the crop less expensive electrical practises can be used to conform to code. The electrical savings alone can be huge. Over the years we have installed both fixed spray and overhead watering booms and it is our opinion the total installed cost the watering booms are less expensive.

Then there is the practical side. Watering booms require approximately 30% less water. So if you are fertilizing, your fertilizer costs are reduced. Watering booms apply water a t equal rates throughout the greenhouse bay, so crop quality is uniform. Watering booms allow for spot watering as required, instead of zone watering, so there is further water and fertilizer savings. Watering booms put the water where it is needed.

Not all watering booms are the same, we realized that 12 years ago and it is why we have represented Andpro spray booms for the past 10 years. They are extremely well built, are extremely reliable, they just keep spraying and spraying.

  AGROPONIC INDUSTRIES LTD.
908 RANCHVIEW CRES. NW., CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, T3G1P9
ph (403)241-8234, fax (403)241-8234
Email: agropon@agroponic.com, ULR: agroponic.com

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