Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #131739
Title: EFFECTS OF NOZZLE TYPES AND GLYPHOSATE FORMULATIONS ON SPRAY DROPLET SIZE AND PATTERNS

Author
item Hanks, James
item JONES, E - DREC
item WILLS, G - DREC
item MACK, R - HELENA CHEMICAL CO.

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/26/2002
Publication Date: 1/26/2002
Citation: Hanks, J.E., Jones, E.J., Wills, G.H., Mack, R.E. 2002. Effects of nozzle types and glyphosate formulations on spray droplet size and patterns. Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society. 55:190.

Interpretive Summary: Astract, none required.

Technical Abstract: Preliminary studies were conducted at Stoneville, MS with two nozzle types and three glyphosate formulations to evaluate the effects on spray droplet size and spray patterns. Nozzles were TeeJet 110015vs air induction (AI) and TeeJet 110015vs extended range (XR); glyphosate formulations included Roundup UltraMax, Roundup Custom and Roundup Original. Spray solutions were mixed to provide an application rate of 0.6 kg ai/ha when applied at spray volume of 94 L/ha at a ground speed of 7.4 km/hr. A Malvern laser particle analyzer was used to determine the volume median diameter and percent spray volume in droplets less than 144 microns over a range of pressures from 140 kPa to 480 kPa. The patternator consisted of corrugated metal, with corrugations spaced 5 cm apart and slightly sloped to allow sprayed solution to collect in test tubes placed at the end of each corrugation. The volume median diameter was significantly larger for the air induction nozzle. At a spray pressure of 275 kPa the air induction nozzle produced 6% spray volume in droplets less than 144 microns compared to 56% for the extended range nozzle. Glyphosate formulation had little effect on the volume median diameter or percent spray volume in droplets less than 144 microns compared to water. Spray patterns were slightly different with the two nozzle types, with the air induction concentrating more volume in the center portion of the spray pattern compared to the extended range that provided a smoother distribution pattern. These results indicate significant reduction in the potential for drift can be achieved with air induction type nozzles compared to conventional nozzles typically used by applicators.