Influence of the instability of the field crop sprayer boom on the spraying uniformity

Abstract

The purpose of the paper was to determine the influence of the instability of the sprayer field boom on the amount of working fluid applied to the sprayed plants. To achieve such aim, experiment was planned with the use of an obstacle course specially designed for this purpose and using artificial plants. Three nozzles of different types were investigated, i.e., universal flat-jet ISO F-03-110 (F110), low-drift ISO LD-03-110 (LD) and injector (anti-drift) ISO-03-110 MiniDrift (MD). Obtained results indicate that obstacles have clearly noticeable influence of spraying quality, understood as level and stability of working fluid deposition values. The worst results were obtained for MD nozzle while the best results were obtained for LD nozzle, both in terms of under/overdosing the working fluid (maximum 36% of overdose) and stability of results, what can lead to the conclusion that LD nozzles should be recommended for spraying fields with rough surfaces. • Influence of the sprayer boom instability on the spraying quality was evaluated. • Obstacle course was prepared according to the guidelines of the ISO 22763 standard. • Evaluated were three types of nozzles. • Variability of working fluid deposition was the biggest for anti-drift nozzle. • Low-drift nozzle seems to be the most appropriate for spraying uneven fields.