Evaluation of Liquid Atomization and Spray Drift Reduction of Hydraulic Nozzles with Four Spray Adjuvant Solutions

The droplet size distribution following pesticide application practices can significantly impact drift and non-target organisms (animals plants). However, the relationship among liquid sheet breakup, drop formation, is an area that has been studied over past 65 years but still not fully understood. objectives of this study were severalfold: to examine breakup use different adjuvants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, aerosol OT, silicone at 1%) their effects on via three commonly used commercial spray nozzles (XR, AIXR, TXVK). initial spectrum for each was detected by a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system, treatment measured in wind tunnel. nozzle type solution found affect characteristics. AIXR produced large droplets, TXVK with short length more small droplets. All these experiments increased formation droplets upon atomization while simultaneously reducing driftable fines (e.g., drops %<150 µm). potential be reduced up 66.1% when switching from fine quality (TXVK) coarse (AIXR). SDS adjuvant provided most effective reduction XR showing 69.2% 66.3%, respectively, showed largest 78.3%. correlation between DV0.5 positive nozzles, there significant µm all nozzles. This work suggests changing adding into solution, which data support plant protection drones.