The Tension Between Coverage and Drift: Which Nozzle?
For practitioners of no-till agriculture, achieving a balance between efficient chemical application and environmental responsibility is paramount. Selecting the appropriate spray nozzle plays a critical role in this equation, directly impacting both efficacy and profitability. Studies have shown that proper nozzle selection can improve a no-tiller's bottom line by as much as 8%.
If you’re having 8% spray drift, it’s a significant problem. Not only is it bad for adjacent crops, it’s a hit on your bottom line. An application that runs $30 per hectare would result in an $2.40-per-hectare loss, or $720 over a 300-hectare field in lost material alone. That’s not including decreased efficacy or the cost of off-target damage.
The challenge lies in navigating the trade-off between thorough crop coverage and drift control. Smaller droplets offer superior coverage but are more susceptible to wind dispersal, potentially leading to off-target contamination and wasted product. Conversely, larger droplets minimize drift but may result in incomplete coverage, compromising application effectiveness.
If we look at various nozzle types suitable for no-till applications, we can see each offering distinct advantages:
Turbo TeeJet Nozzles: These nozzles employ a dual-orifice design, enabling a wider range of droplet sizes through adjustments in spray pressure. This versatility makes them ideal for systemic pesticides, where achieving complete coverage is less critical.
Air Induction (AI) Nozzles: These innovative nozzles leverage air to create larger droplets, significantly reducing drift potential while maintaining adequate coverage for contact-based chemicals.
Air Induction Extended Range (AIXR) Nozzles: Designed for operation at lower pressures, AIXR nozzles deliver effective results with a range of pesticides, further enhancing application efficiency.
Extended Range Flat Fan Nozzles: Optimized for use with herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides at lower spray pressures, these nozzles provide a balance between coverage and drift control.
Twin Nozzles: By spraying from multiple angles, twin nozzles achieve exceptional coverage, making them particularly valuable for fungicide applications or targeting small weeds.
Beyond nozzle type, several key factors influence optimal selection:
Crop Growth Stage: Earlier growth stages may necessitate finer droplets for improved coverage, while later stages may tolerate larger droplets.
Chemical Selection: Systemic herbicides require less complete coverage and can utilize larger droplets, whereas contact herbicides necessitate finer droplets for direct contact with target pests.
Application Speed: The spray angle of the nozzle needs to be carefully considered in relation to application speed to ensure proper targeting.
Adjuvant Usage: Surfactants and crop oils can alter droplet size and may require adjustments in nozzle selection or application parameters.
Nozzle Material: Options include ceramic (highly durable but susceptible to breakage), stainless steel, plastic, and brass (least durable).
Selecting the most appropriate nozzle requires careful consideration of desired pressure, application speed, and target droplet size. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) and British Crop Protection Council (BCPC) have established a standardized droplet size classification system, facilitating informed nozzle selection based on these parameters.
Here are some additional insights from industry experts to further enhance application efficiency:
Invest in combination nozzles with integrated caps for swift field replacements.
Maintain a stock of spare nozzles and routinely compare spray volume output to identify worn nozzles requiring replacement.
Be prepared to adapt nozzle selection throughout the season to ensure optimal performance for each specific application.
By implementing these strategies and meticulously selecting the right nozzle for each application, no-tillers can achieve optimal spray efficacy, minimize chemical waste, and maximize their profitability. This not only benefits their bottom line but also fosters environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Get in touch with DOM Distribution to make sure you’re more than ready for your next spray-out.