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Effective deposition isn’t a topic that typically lights up a dinner party.

Getting spray where it needs to be, maximises return on investment for farmers. It can also extend vital spray windows for contractors and prevent spray negatively impacting nearby crops.

Li-1000 is a multipurpose adjuvant - a surfactant, penetrant, and drift retardant all in one.

Ash Pace, UPL NZ regional manager central South Island, says the non-ionic, low foam, surfactant enhances the activity and penetration of herbicides and other crop protection products.

“Li-1000 is the perfect partner, particularly for spray-out, knockdown herbicides such as glyphosate.”

Pace says Li-1000 is widely used in both ground and aerial spraying and has passionate advocates.

Someone who knows the aerial spray industry better than most is Helicopters South Canterbury CEO and pilot Richard Geary.

Helicopters South Canterbury was founded in the 1990s and Geary, who has 20 years under his belt, heads an experienced team, with an impressive fleet of helicopters.

Based near Timaru, the company operates primarily in South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, and the Mackenzie Country.

Geary says every variable is always factored in, from the safety of staff to the ability to deliver an effective and efficient service to the farmers.

Spraying out old pastures, often over challenging terrain, is a staple for the busy company.

When using Roundup, Helicopters South Canterbury uses Li-1000 for drift control 95 per cent of the time.

“There are often sensitive crops nearby, like fodder beet or emerging grass, and Li-1000 gives us that extra bit of certainty and security.”

Geary and his team discuss jobs with clients in depth before they commence spraying and make notes not only on what is required, but also on any adjacent crops or other potential issues.

Their focus: Delivering jobs better.

“Li-1000 trumps everything else as a drift retardant and works well as a penetrant.”

Pace says factors including rotor wash (the downward movement of air caused by the action of the helicopter’s blades) mean helicopter spraying, while often the most practical and cost-effective solution, is heavily reliant on effective drift control.

“Li-1000 is great product.”

He explains systemic and translaminar products require time to enter the plant and are subject to wash off.

Due to its unique properties and multiple modes of actions, Li-1000 produces a more uniform spray pattern for reduced drift, increases droplet spreading and retention and increases leaf penetration through the cuticle and translocation throughout the plant.

Glyphosate and other crop protection products are then taken into the plant faster.

Geary’s company also uses other UPL adjuvants including All Clear tank cleaner; Du-Wett Super-Spreader, which delivers better spray coverage, and Slikka, a super-penetrant used on gorse and brushweeds.

He says it is reassuring to know that there is solid research and science behind UPL’s products.

“I can use their products with confidence knowing how much work has gone into them.”