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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:14
Measuring Spray Droplet Size from Agricultural Nozzles Using Laser Diffraction
Published on: September 16, 2016
Canopy effects droplet size distribution and meteorological change
Jane A S Barber1, Mike Greer, Mark Latham
1J. Mulrennan Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center, College of Engineering Science Technology and Agriculture, Florida A&M University, 4000 Frankford Avenue, Panama City, FL, 32405, USA.
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Atmospheric conditions significantly impact pesticide spray transfer. Stable conditions led to high nontarget mortality, while turbulent conditions reduced spray volume entering the canopy but improved control through horizontal mixing.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Understanding atmospheric energy and its role in spray transfer is crucial for effective pesticide application.
- Previous studies have highlighted the importance of meteorological conditions in determining spray deposition and off-target movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize spray flux and its relationship with atmospheric energy and meteorological conditions.
- To investigate the influence of atmospheric stability and turbulence on pesticide deposition and nontarget mortality.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a 3-dimensional sonic anemometer to record wind speed fluctuations at 10 Hz.
- Analyzing data on physical and biological characterization of spray flux under different atmospheric conditions.
Main Results:
- High nontarget mortality correlated with stable atmospheric conditions, leading to increased pesticide descent via aircraft vortices and sedimentation.
- Turbulent atmospheric conditions (neutral night) resulted in lower spray volume entering the canopy due to wind transport at altitude.
- Pesticides entering the canopy during turbulent conditions were well-mixed and transported horizontally, unlike the vertical sedimentation observed during stable nights.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric energy and wind patterns critically influence spray transfer efficiency and distribution within plant canopies.
- Meteorological conditions, specifically atmospheric stability and turbulence, dictate both the volume of pesticide reaching the target and the degree of nontarget exposure.
- Optimizing pesticide application strategies requires considering real-time atmospheric dynamics to enhance efficacy and minimize environmental risks.
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