Effect of air distribution and spray liquid distribution of a cross-flow fan orchard sprayer on spray deposition in fruit trees

Autor/innen

  • J. C, van de Zande Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen
  • J. M. G. P. Michielsen Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen
  • H. Stallinga Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen
  • P. van Dalfsen Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen
  • M. Wenneker Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen

Abstract

In a 4-year ongoing research programme in the Netherlands, we focus to maximise spray deposition in pome fruit trees and minimise spray deposition underneath the trees on the ground and minimise spray drift. For a cross-flow fan orchard sprayer we therefore measured spray deposition in the tree as an effect of different air settings and nozzle types. Nozzle types chosen were the Albuz ATR lilac (as a reference) and the Albuz TVI8001, both sprayed at 7 bar spray pressure. The orchard sprayer was a Munckhof cross-flow fan sprayer with a 2.75 m high cross-flow construction on top of the axial fan, equipped with 8 nozzles on both sides. At a forward speed of 6.5 km/h the spray volume was 200 L/ha and 290 L/ha, for respectively the Albuz lilac and Albuz TVI8001 nozzles. Air settings were: High air setting - 540 rpm PTO; and Low air setting - 540 rpm, 400 rpm, and 300 rpm PTO. Liquid distributions were measured with an AAMS-Salvarani Vertical patternator with discs, and air distribution was measured with a self-constructed measuring device equipped with ultrasonic anemometers and a handheld vane-anemometer. Liquid distribution in the apple trees (cv. Elstar) was measured in the full leaf growing stage (following ISO 22522).
First results show a good correlation between air distribution and liquid distribution. Vertical liquid distribution measured on the liquid measuring device correlates also very good with the liquid distribution at different heights in the tree. However, air distribution and especially air speed of the orchard sprayer showed that decreasing air assistance increased the spray deposition in the fruit trees. Showing that air assistance is an important parameter to be taken up in the advice to fruit growers.

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Veröffentlicht

2018-09-11