Characterization of the spray droplet spectra and patterns of four venturi-type drift reduction nozzles

Laboratory studies were conducted using a Malvern laser droplet/particle size analyzer to determine the droplet spectra of several venturi-type drift reduction nozzles compared to a standard single, elliptical-orifice flat fan nozzle. Spray solutions of glufosinate, glyphosate, and paraquat were app...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Weed technology 1999-10, Vol.13 (4), p.765-770
Main Authors: Etheridge, R.E, Womac, A.R, Mueller, T.C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air pressure
Biological and medical sciences
Chemical control
Crops
diameter
drift
droplet size
Fertilizer application volume
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
glufosinate
glyphosate
Herbicides
Laser beams
Nozzles
paraquat
Parasitic plants. Weeds
patterns
Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection
pressure
Raindrops
Significance level
size
spatial distribution
Spray volume
Spraying
surfactants
volume
Weeds
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Summary:Laboratory studies were conducted using a Malvern laser droplet/particle size analyzer to determine the droplet spectra of several venturi-type drift reduction nozzles compared to a standard single, elliptical-orifice flat fan nozzle. Spray solutions of glufosinate, glyphosate, and paraquat were applied through all combinations of five nozzle types (four drift reduction), three tip sizes, and four application pressures. Nozzles were also evaluated for pattern uniformity using water plus surfactant at one pressure. When averaged over herbicide, tip size, and pressure the venturi nozzles collectively produced larger volume median diameter (VMD) droplets than the standard nozzle. The percentage of spray volume in droplets < 205 μm was less for the venturi nozzles (17%) than for the standard nozzle (65%) when averaged across all factors. The order of herbicides producing the largest droplets was paraquat (470 μm) > glyphosate (460 μm) > glufosinate (400 μm), as measured by VMD. The venturi nozzles were more variable in their spray volume distribution than the standard nozzle. Utilization of venturi-type nozzles may minimize the drift potential of the herbicides evaluated but could also lead to uneven herbicide application and subsequent erratic weed control.
ISSN:0890-037X
1550-2740
DOI:10.1017/s0890037x00042202