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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
08:14
Measuring Spray Droplet Size from Agricultural Nozzles Using Laser Diffraction
Published on: September 16, 2016
Spray drift as influenced by meteorological and technical factors
Tommy Arvidsson1, Lars Bergström, Jenny Kreuger
1Division of Water Quality Management, Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden. tommy.arvidsson@mark.slu.se
Pest Management Science
|April 8, 2011
Summary
Spray drift from field sprayers is primarily influenced by boom height and wind speed. Total spray drift (TSD) can be predicted by the fraction of droplets less than 100 micrometers, aiding pesticide application decisions.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Investigated spray drift from conventional field sprayers in grazing fields and cereal crops.
- Aimed to provide pesticide applicators with data for informed decision-making.
- Focused on meteorological and technical factors influencing spray drift.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify spray drift from agricultural sprayers.
- To determine the impact of environmental and operational variables on spray drift.
- To develop predictive models for total spray drift (TSD).
Main Methods:
- Conducted 15 field trials under diverse meteorological conditions.
- Varied boom heights and driving speeds during pesticide application.
- Measured airborne spray drift using a 6m sampling mast.
Main Results:
- Boom height and wind speed were the most significant factors affecting TSD.
- TSD correlated with the fraction of droplets ≤ 100 µm, especially at a 0.4m boom height.
- Developed predictive equations for TSD in cereal crops and grazing fields based on droplet size distribution.
Conclusions:
- A straightforward relationship exists between TSD and the volume fraction of droplets ≤ 100 µm.
- Wind speed and boom height are critical determinants of TSD for specific nozzle types.
- Findings enhance understanding of spray drift dynamics in agricultural settings.
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