Spray Deposition and Quality Assessment at Varying Ground Speeds for an Agricultural Sprayer with and without a Rate Controller

Ground speed variations are common and unavoidable during pesticide applications with agricultural sprayers. Field tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying ground speeds on spray deposition quality a commercial boom sprayer without rate controller (CNS) in 2021 equipped (SRC) 2022. During each year, was split evenly among three different nozzle types (XRC, AIXR, TTI) attain droplet sizes (medium, very coarse, ultra-coarse, respectively). Prior testing, calibrated deliver an application 187 L ha−1 at pressure 207 kPa 9.7 km h−1. For assessment, made five 9.7, 12.9, 16.1, 19.3, 22.5 h−1, data collected by placing water-sensitive paper locations across field. Results for CNS indicated that reduced significantly (p < 0.05) increase all types, primarily due decrease quantity droplets applied per unit area. The more consistent SRC. affected both SRC; however, greater SRC speed. Among trends similar XRC TTI nozzles as observed However, AIXR showed inconsistent varied. results this study sprayers provide adequate compared conventional (no controller) when changes occur applications. While is also using controller, best management practices including proper selection nominal should be followed minimize these effects ensure effective technology utilization.