Digital image processing for determining drop sizes from irrigation spray nozzles

Abstract

Abstract All the existing methods for measuring drop sizes produced by a sprinkler nozzle are either cumbersome, expensive or time consuming. Moreover, none could quantitatively express the relationship between drop size distribution and sprinkler head parameters viz. operating pressure and nozzle size. In the present study digital image processing technique has been applied to determine the drop size distribution from an irrigation spray nozzle. Image processing is the technique of automating and integrating a wide range of processes used for the human vision perception. The present study revealed that image processing technique can be successfully implemented for drop size measurement accurately. Being a novel technique, the method has some limitations for adaptation. These limitations can be very well contained through further research.