Engineering controls on the sprayer have been used effectively for years in modern agricultural practices. Internationally regulatory bodies have incorporated classic engineering controls or Drift Reduction Technologies (DRT) in their label language. Classic engineering controls are nozzle type, boom height, and pressure. These measures have a significant impact on the off-target movement of the crop protection product. Other technologies however, have equal or greater impact but appear to be much more difficult, at present, to fit within the current regulatory frame work.  I will introduce examples of non-traditional DRT and draw comparisons to the effects of these with reference and classical DRT studies. Aerial applications: Remotely-piloted Aerial Spray Systems (RASS) have been shown, in logistically relevant arenas, to be effective tools with less off target movement compared to manned aircraft. Orchard applications: Hail netting and wind breaks have been shown to have a significant impact on off-target movement of the compound applied with the reference axial fan sprayer. Tractor boom applications: Shields, drop legs, and air assist can be compared to the reference sprayer with and without traditional DRT. This presentation should be a fun comparative introduction to some of the different approaches used to manage and protect non-target habitats.

Quantitative analysis of traditional and non-traditional techniques to minimize spray drift

2019 Fall National Meeting

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