Driftreductie Lochmann dwarsstroomspuit met Air Closing System

Abstract

Results of spray drift experiments are presented of the Lochmann cross-flow fan orchard sprayer equipped with an Air Closing System (ACS) in comparison with a reference spray technique for fruit crop spraying in The Netherlands. The Lochmann cross-flow fan orchard sprayer with ACS was equipped with 90% drift reducing nozzles ( Albuz TVI 8001; 7 bar spray pressure). During the spray drift experiments the downwind outside 24 m of an apple orchard was sprayed at the full leaf stage (BBCH 90/92) using the fluorescent tracer Acid Yellow 250. Spray drift deposition was collected downwind on a mowed grass area up to 25 m distance from the last tree row. Airborne spray drift was measured at 7.5 m distance from the last tree row on a pole at which two lines with collectors were attached at 1 m spacing up to 10 m height. For the Lochmann cross-flow fan orchard sprayer equipped with Air Closing System and 90% drift reducing nozzles spray drift reduction at 4.5-5.5 m distance from the last tree row was 98.4% in comparison with the reference spray application. Airborne spray drift was reduced by 97.0% for the Lochmann cross-flow fan orchard sprayer equipped with Air Closing System and 90% drift reducing nozzles.