Wrong tank sprayer setup and weeds win, even with the right chemical. A tank sprayer, the anchor product family covering weed spraying equipment across Australian farms and properties, needs to match the weed density, paddock size, and chemical resistance situation on the ground. This article breaks down how to pick a setup that actually controls weeds instead of just spreading chemical around.
Why Glyphosate Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore
Glyphosate resistance is spreading fast across Australia. Fleabane populations show resistance in nearly every collected sample. Feathertop Rhodes grass hits resistance rates around 68 percent in surveyed populations, and windmill grass sits near 58 percent.
That means a tank sprayer setup built purely around glyphosate is fighting yesterday’s problem. Rotating modes of action matters more now than it did a decade ago.
The double knock method, spraying glyphosate then following with paraquat within one to seven days, remains one of the stronger tactics against resistant populations.
Matching Tank Size To Property Scale
Small properties with scattered weed patches don’t need the same tank sprayer as a large cropping operation running broadacre fallow control.
- Small tank sprayers suit spot spraying scattered weeds
- Mid size units handle paddock perimeter and fenceline control
- Large tank sprayer setups suit broadacre fallow spraying
Fencelines deserve more attention than most farmers give them. Weed escapes on fencelines are often where resistant populations start, then spread into the main paddock through seed and pollen movement.
Spot Spraying Versus Broadcast Applications
Spot spraying targets isolated weeds directly, saving chemical and reducing overall herbicide load on the paddock. Broadcast applications cover the whole area evenly, which suits dense weed pressure better.
Every dollar spent controlling summer weeds returns roughly eight dollars per hectare in benefit, according to research from the NSW Department of Primary Industries. That return justifies investing in the right tank sprayer setup rather than making do with whatever is on hand.
Timing Matters As Much As Equipment
Spraying smaller weeds in cooler conditions generally works better than waiting for larger, established weeds. Many growers delay spraying, thinking it’s more efficient to hit bigger weeds once. That thinking usually backfires.
Actually, delayed spraying is one of the most common mistakes seen across Australian paddocks, and it’s an easy one to fix just by adjusting timing.
Setting Up A Tank Sprayer For Resistant Weeds
- Rotate herbicide groups instead of relying on one mode of action
- Use full label rates matched to actual weed size, not guesswork
- Include mechanical cultivation occasionally as a non-chemical backup
- Test suspected resistant weeds before assuming standard rates will work
A tank sprayer is only as good as the strategy behind it. Good equipment paired with outdated tactics still loses to resistant weeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glyphosate still effective for weed control in Australia? It still works on many weeds, but resistance is rising fast, particularly in fleabane and feathertop Rhodes grass.
What size tank sprayer suits a small property? Smaller tank sprayers work well for spot spraying scattered weeds without wasting chemical on empty ground.
What is the double knock method? It’s applying glyphosate first, then following with paraquat within one to seven days, targeting survivors of the first spray.
Does spraying timing really affect weed control results? Yes, spraying smaller weeds in cooler conditions generally gives better control than waiting for larger, established weeds.
Why do fencelines matter for weed resistance management? Fencelines often harbour weed escapes that develop resistance first, then spread seed and pollen into the main paddock.
