Spray drift and droplet spectrum from dicamba sprayed alone or mixed with adjuvants using air-induction nozzles

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the spray drift and droplet spectrum of dicamba applied alone or with potential drift-reducing adjuvants, using air-induction flat fan nozzles. Standard (XR and TT) and air-induction (AIXR and TTI) nozzles were evaluated in a wind tunnel. The adjuvants used were polymer, ammonium sulfate, vegetable oil, and phosphatidylcholine. The applications were conducted at 276 kPa pressure and 3.5 m s-1 wind speed. The droplet spectrum was measured using a laser diffraction system. Round strings were used as drift collectors, positioned perpendicularly to the wind direction, at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12 m from the nozzle. Drift was calculated by quantifying, through fluorimetry, a fluorescent tracer added to each solution at 1 g L-1. Droplet spectrum and dicamba drift depend on the interaction between spray composition and nozzle type. Air-induction nozzles are more recommended for dicamba applications, especially the TTI nozzle. Polymer and ammonium sulfate increase droplet size in all nozzle types, which may reduce drift to nearby crops.

Keywords

• air-induction nozzle
• droplet size
• herbicide drift
• nozzle type
• wind tunnel