Comparison of Spray Transfer and Penetration of Different Hydraulic Nozzles at Low Application Volume

Seven hydraulic nozzle types (standard-ST; hollow cone-KH; multirange-LU; standard with narrow angle-STD; antidrift-AD; air-induction-IDK; twinjet air-induction-IDKT) were compared in terms of spray transfer and drop penetration. Spray treatments were carried out at a constant application volume of 90 L ha(-1) with a linear-motion simulator. WSP's were placed onto metal poles and into artificial plant at both horizontal and vertical planes. Two different operating pressures (250 and 500 kPa) and the nozzle position angles (0 degrees and 45 degrees) were used in the experiments. Spray transfer levels at vertical plane were quite lower than the spray transfer levels at horizontal plane. The greatest spray coverage was achieved with LU and ST nozzles producing fine droplets. The greatest drop penetration at vertical plane was obtained from IDK nozzle. Only 25% of the drops transferred to the open target reached the stem and root collar region of the plant canopy. With increasing operating pressures, spray coverage increased by 1,17 times at horizontal plane and 1,50 times at vertical plane. With increasing nozzle position angles, spray coverage at vertical plane increased by 40%. The greatest coverage was achieved on front surface of the vertical target and drops reaching to side and rear surfaces were quite low.