In this ninth installment of our Category B study series (Part 9 of 11), we tackle the most technically demanding section of the exam: Calibration. This episode covers Chapter 9, moving from the biology of pests to the physics of machinery. We break down the "Four Factors" that determine your application rate and demystify the math that keeps you legal. We also explore the critical maintenance routines for liquid and granular equipment, explaining why a worn nozzle or a humid day can ruin an entire application.Key Topics Covered:The "Four Factors" of Calibration: Tank Capacity, Travel Speed, Flow Rate, and Swath Width. You need all four to determine your Acres per Tank.Liquid Application:The 10% Rule: Why you must replace any nozzle that deviates more than 10% from the manufacturer's rated output.Nozzle Coding: Reading the "8004" stamp (80-degree fan, 0.4 GPM) to verify your setup.The Magic Number: Using the constant 0.4688 to convert ounces-per-second into Gallons Per Minute (GPM).Granular Application:Two Calibration Methods:The Tarp Method: Catching and weighing granules over a known area (most accurate).The Refill Method: Running the equipment for a set time, then weighing how much product is needed to refill the hopper to the original level (critical for hand-operated gear).Operational Tips: Closing rotary ports before you stop walking to avoid "burning" the turf.Specialized Math: Calculating rates for Tree Injection (based on trunk diameter) and Soil Drenches (based on cumulative feet of height).Resources Mentioned:Constant "88": The number used to convert feet-per-minute into Miles Per Hour (88 ft/min = 1 mph).Anti-Siphon Valves: The mandatory safety device for hose-end sprayers to protect municipal water supplies.

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