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Spray drift reduction techniques for vineyards in fragmented landscapes
1Institute of Agro-environmental and Forest Biology - CNR, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.
Journal of Environmental Management
|August 13, 2015
Summary
Spray drift from agricultural pesticide application is a significant environmental risk. Mitigation strategies, including low-drift equipment and natural barriers like hedgerows, can significantly reduce pesticide drift.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Spray drift from pesticides is a major diffuse pollution pathway in intensive agriculture.
- Fragmented landscapes increase risks to the environment and bystanders from pesticide drift.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure spray drift from air-blast sprayers in vineyards.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of practical mitigation measures for reducing pesticide drift.
Main Methods:
- Field experiment using an "event method" in Prosecco wine region, Italy.
- Tested various mitigation measures: low-drift equipment, vine curtains, no air-assistance, and hedgerows.
Main Results:
- Low-drift equipment reduced drift by 38%.
- Vine curtains and no air-assistance reduced drift by ~70% and ~74%, respectively.
- Hedgerows were highly effective, mitigating drift by up to 98%.
Conclusions:
- Pesticide spray drift is reducible with available mitigation measures.
- Mitigation strategies are recommended for environmental regulations and participatory research.
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