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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Wooster, Ohio » Application Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #170716
Title: RESEARCH TO REDUCE POTENTIAL DAMAGE FROM SPRAY DRIFT LOSS BY THE USDA-ARS APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH UNIT

Author
item Derksen, Richard
item Zhu, Heping
item Krause, Charles
item OZKAN, H - OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
item Fox, Robert
item Brazee, Ross

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/12/2004
Publication Date: 10/5/2004
Citation: Derksen, R.C., Zhu, H., Krause, C.R., Ozkan, H.E., Fox, R.D., Brazee, R.D. 2004. Research to reduce potential damage from spray drift loss by the USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit. Proceedings of International Drift on Pesticide Application for Drift Management Meeting, October 27-29, 2005. Waikoloa, Hawaii. p. 414-421.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The fate of pesticide sprays in the environment continues to play an important role in the development and registration of pesticides as well as production practices including the size of buffer zones and application methodologies. Several spray drift related research programs have been conducted at the USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit (ATRU) in Wooster, Ohio. Research studies involving physical properties of formulations have been conducted to investigate the effect changes in formulations will have on shear of drift retardants as well as atomization of sprays. Computational dynamics software has been used to aid in the evaluation and design of mechanical shields of various shapes that could be added to conventional sprayers for the purpose of reducing spray drift potential. This software has also been used to determine the effects of several variables on drift distances of individual spray droplets. Wind tunnel experiments have been conducted to validate conclusions of computer models as well as to investigate the effect of new atomization technologies and changes in spray formulation might have on downwind spray movement. The ATRU has conducted numerous studies in nursery, tree fruit, and vegetable production systems to study techniques for mitigating spray drift as well as assessing the potential impact of these techniques on canopy spray deposits. The ATRU drift related research findings have aided in the development of standards for drift assessment as well as recommendations that growers, formulators and educators can implement to mitigate drift for minimizing the impact of pesticide applications on non-target organisms and areas.