Section Control for Sprayers

Section control shuts parts of the boom off where you have already sprayed or where you should not spray. It cuts overlap, saves product and helps around field edges.

Key points

Section control turns parts of the boom off to avoid overlap and protect buffers.
Manual systems rely on the operator; automatic systems use positioning and a controller.
Ask about valves, signals, subscriptions, support and compatibility before buying.
Measure the boom and enter settings carefully, then test with water.
Irregular fields and many buffers make automatic control easier to justify.

What is section control?

A sprayer boom is divided into sections, each with its own valve. Section control lets you turn sections on or off. On a manual system, you flip switches in the cab. On an automatic system, a controller uses a position source to decide which sections should be on.

Section control does not change the label. It only changes where the product goes. Follow the label for rate, droplet size, buffers and application limits.

Why does section control help?

Irregular fields, point rows, waterways and headlands create overlaps when the boom crosses ground it already covered. Overlap means double product on part of the field, which wastes money and may harm the crop. Shutting off sections at those spots helps avoid that.

It also helps around areas you must not spray, such as buffers, wells, ponds and neighbor's property lines. Consider a field with a curved creek along one side. Turning off boom sections as you approach the buffer is far better than guessing.

Less overlap on point rows and odd shapes
Easier buffers around water and sensitive areas
Less product used where it adds no value
Less operator fatigue on long days

How do manual and automatic section control differ?

Manual control is simple and cheap. The operator watches the field and switches sections by hand. It depends entirely on attention and eyesight, so overlaps still happen.

Automatic control uses a guidance receiver, a map or boundary file, a controller and electric valves to open and close sections for you. Systems differ in how fast they react, how fine the sections are and how accurately they work, and the market changes quickly. Ask a dealer what each system actually does.

What should you ask before buying a system?

Start with the sprayer you have. Does it have electric section valves, or would they need to be added? Is the boom already divided into sections you could control? Ask who supports the equipment locally and what happens when the controller needs an update.

Ask what positioning signal is used, whether a subscription is needed and what accuracy you can expect. Ask what happens at the edge of a boundary and how the controller handles turns. Do not assume that a more expensive option is a better fit for a small acreage.

Are valves and wiring included or extra?
How many boom sections can be controlled?
What signal and subscription does it need?
Who does service and training near you?
Can it work with the tractor and monitor you already have?

How do you set up and check section control?

Enter boom width, section widths, nozzle spacing and the offset of the receiver exactly as your manual describes. A wrong measurement leads to gaps or overlap that looks fine on the screen. Check the settings against the physical boom with a tape measure.

Run a test with plain water over a field and look at where sections switch on and off. Watch the edge of the field, not only the screen. Recalibrate flow after you install or change valves or nozzles.

What can go wrong?

Common trouble includes a section that fails to shut off, valves that stick open, wiring faults and a controller that does not match the real boom layout. Dirt and chemical residue in valves cause sticking, so a clean system helps.

Do not bypass safety features or work on electrical wiring while the sprayer is running. Pressurized lines can injure. Have a qualified technician handle wiring, valves and controller faults.

Is it worth it for a small farm?

If your fields are square and you spray a few times a year, manual sections and good habits may be enough. If you have irregular fields, many buffers or a lot of acreage, automatic control can pay back over time. A lender or accountant can help you weigh equipment costs, and your dealer can show how the system works in the field.

When to get help: Ask a dealer service department or qualified technician to install and test valves, wiring and controllers. A lender or accountant can help you think through the cost of added equipment.

Sources and further reading

Organization homepages are linked so you can search them for current guidance on this topic.

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