Location: Aerial Application Technology Research
Project Number: 3091-22000-037-014-T
Project Type: Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2023
End Date: Jun 30, 2028
Objective:
This study is intended to generate practical data to evaluate in-swath performance (swath width, displacement and uniformity) and downwind spray drift as a function of certain programmed and natural variables known to affect spray performance.
This research is intended to advance the development of Remotely Piloted Aerial Application System-specific best management practices (BMPs), as well as gaining information on the overall performance of RPAAS under different conditions.
Approach:
The variables associated with Remotely Piloted Aerial Application System spraying will be tested outdoors in a conventional spray drift study design. This includes a single, linear spray swath oriented perpendicular to the expected wind direction on the day of spraying, in-swath and downwind sampling devices to quantify both airborne and sedimenting drift particles in addition to on-target deposition, upwind negative controls and weather station, and a staging area for mixing/loading, power exchange and other RPAAS and spray system activities. Optical and fluorimetric analytical methods will be conducted on the sampling devices to develop measurements of in-swath performance and spray drift transport of the spray solution. As outputs, statistical results (relative standard deviation, comparison to target application rate, best-fit regression curves for drift deposition, etc.) will be reported to evaluate the influence of the tested variables on the quality of the application.
