2022-04-27 by Jim Blog

What is Spray Drift?

What is Drift?

Spray drift is a term used throughout the industry to describe the physical movement of pesticide droplets or particles through the air away from the planned target area. The droplets most likely to drift are those less than 150 microns in diameter.

The most determining factor is the wind speed

The greater the distance between the spray tip of the nozzle and the target area, the greater the impact of wind speed on droplet movement.

An increase in operating speeds can cause the wind to return in the form of vortex-type overhead currents behind the sprayer, trapping small droplets and thus contributing to drift.

When temperatures are above 25ºC and relative humidity is low, small droplets are more likely to drift, due to the effects of evaporation.

Low dosages generally require the use of small nozzles, which increases the risk of loss.

The smaller the nozzle size and the higher the spray pressure, the smaller the droplet size and the greater the proportion of droplets likely to drift.

Useful tips to control drift

Reduce the working pressure to increase the size of the drops. Due to the decrease in flow rate, it may be necessary to use larger nozzles to stay within the dosage indicated on the product label.

Use nozzles that produce larger droplets, such as low drift nozzles or higher capacity nozzles.

Decrease boom height to reduce losses, while maintaining adequate overlap to ensure desired spray coverage.

Causes of spray drift

A number of variables contribute to spray droplet losses; these are mainly due to the spray equipment system and weather factors.

Drop size

Within the spray equipment system, droplet size is the most influential factor. When a liquid solution is sprayed under pressure, it atomizes into droplets of various sizes: The smaller the nozzle size and the higher the spray pressure, the smaller the droplets and thus the greater the proportion of droplets with a tendency to drift.

Spray height

As the distance between the nozzle and the target increases, the greater the impact that wind speed can have. The influence of the wind can increase the proportion of smaller droplets deflected from the target and considered as lost.

Working speed

Increased operating speeds can cause spray to drift into updrafts and vortices behind the sprayer, which traps fine droplets and can contribute to drift. Ideally, apply chemicals according to good professional practice at maximum working speeds of 6 to 8 km/h (with air induction nozzles – up to 10 km/h). As wind speeds increase, reduce working speed.

Wind speed

Among the meteorological factors that affect drift, the one with the greatest impact is wind speed. Increasing wind speed increases drift. Therefore, it is important to carry out spraying operations during relatively calm hours of the day. Generally, early morning and late afternoon are the quietest hours.

Some recommendations when spraying

In low wind speed situations, spraying can be done at recommended nozzle pressures.

As wind speeds increase to 3 m/s, spray pressure will need to be reduced and nozzle size increased to obtain larger droplets that are less prone to drift. Wind measurements should be taken during the spraying operation using an anemometer or wind gauge. As the risk of drift increases, it is very important to choose spray tips with coarser droplets that are less prone to drift.

When wind speeds exceed 5 m/s, spraying should be stopped.

Environmental temperature and humidity

At ambient temperatures above 25°C with low relative humidity, small droplets are especially prone to drift due to the effects of evaporation.

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Source: https://www.unicoop.com.py/