Leaf surface coverage and nozzle characteristics of the filed sprayer in dependence of its working presure, application rate and working speed

Abstract

In order to have a good visual inspection of the foliage surface coverage quality after the use of filed sprayer, water-sensible papers can be used. Surface coverage, droplet distribution and solution incorporation into the plant canopy beside the sprayer itself depend on the plant canopy characteristics (number of trees, their development stage, shape of the foliage), weather conditions during the application etc. The aim of this paper was to give the results of testing the three nozzle types (standard, anti-drift and injection) in the different working regimes of the filed sprayer in order to obtain the optimal foliage surface coverage. With the use of currently available filed sprayers, the application rate can't be lower than 200 l/ha. Sprayers with the air induction nozzles have a significant advantage concerning the fact that they can operate in windy conditions (8 m/s) with the operating pressure of 8 bar but they are still not universal for all working conditions.