Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Wooster, Ohio » Application Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #84148
Title: TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING SPRAY DRIFT AND CANOPY PENETRATION

Author
item ZHU, HEPING - OSU-OARDC FAB ENGR DEPT
item Krause, Charles
item Brazee, Ross
item Fox, Robert
item Derksen, Richard

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Spray penetration and off-target spray drift from a conventional, air-assist, axial fan sprayer and a high-clearance, boom-type sprayer were investigated in Gleditsia triacanthos or Tsuga canadensis located in two different production nurseries. Aqueous tracer solutions of either Ca(NO3)2 foliar fertilizer or Cu(OH)2 fungicide were used in the experiments. Spray distribution and drift were assessed via residues collected on foliage, electron microscope stubs, vertical and ground-level profile tapes, and high-volume air samplers. Electron beam analysis (EBA) was used to assay residues on stubs, leaves and needles placed and/or collected at several locations and heights in the canopy. Profile-tape samples were evaluated with a laboratory spray deposit analyzer using a conductivity detector. Spray coverage was incomplete throughout either canopy as assessed by either method. Experimental results indicated that ground-level spray deposits and airborne drift varied with the spray method used.