Spray drift as affected by meteorological conditions

Spray drift can be defined as the quantity of plant protection product that is carried out of the sprayed (treated) area by the action of air currents during the application process. This continues to be a major problem in applying agricultural pesticides. The purpose of this research is to measure and compare the amount of drift for different climatological conditions under field conditions. Spray drift was determined by sampling in a defined downwind area at different positions in a flat meadow using horizontal drift collectors (sedimenting spray drift) and pipe cleaners (airborne spray drift) for a reference spraying. Meteorological conditions were monitored during each experiment. A drift prediction equation for the reference spraying was set up to predict the expected magnitude of sedimenting drift at various drift distances and atmospheric conditions (wind speed and temperature). This equation can be used to compare measurements using other spraying techniques under different weather conditions to the reference spraying. In 2005, more measurements will be performed to validate the statements and the model reflected in this paper.