Practical tips to minimize spray drift and enhance spraying effectiveness
By Farms.com
Spray drift can lead to ineffective application, wasted resources, and potential harm to non-target areas such as neighboring fields and sensitive ecosystems.
According to experts at Hardi, weather is not the only factor to consider in spray drift; several other factors can be optimized to achieve precise and effective spraying.
Here are five practical tips to help you reduce spray drift effectively -
Choose the right nozzle type -
The type of nozzle you use impacts droplet size and drift potential. Select nozzles that produce ultra-coarse spray quality for the best drift reduction.
Drift-reducing injector nozzles, like HARDI MINIDRIFT and HARDI NANODRIFT, are specifically designed for high drift reduction. Low-drift nozzles, such as HARDI ISO LD-110, produce larger droplets and are less prone to being blown away compared to ISO-F-110 nozzles.
Nozzle size -
Larger nozzle sizes produce coarser droplets, which have fewer drift-sensitive fine droplets. A higher flow rate results in lower pressure, allowing higher spraying speed in good conditions.
Maintain correct boom height -
The higher the boom, the longer droplets remain airborne, increasing drift chances. Coarse droplets are less likely to be blown away compared to finer droplets.
Keeping the boom as low as possible without compromising coverage is crucial. A height of 40-60 cm above the target surface ensures minimal drift and maximum coverage. For booms with 25 cm nozzle spacing, maintaining a spraying height of 30-50 cm can still achieve effective cross-distribution, further reducing drift potential.
Pressure control -
Keep it as low as possible - Adjust pressure settings to the lowest feasible level while maintaining effective spray distribution. Choose nozzles designed to operate at lower pressures, such as those approved for a range of 1 to 6 bar (e.g., HARDI MINIDRIFT and NANODRIFT). This minimizes the formation of fine droplets prone to drift.
Control driving speed -
Higher speeds can lead to boom instability and increased spray vortex, elevating droplets higher into the air and increasing drift potential. For standard nozzles such as HARDI (ISO – FLATFAN, ISO – LOWDRIFT), it is recommended to maintain a speed of around 2 m/s (7.2 km/h). Injector nozzles like HARDI MINIDRIFT and NANODRIFT offer flexibility in driving speeds, allowing for higher speeds with larger nozzles and lower pressures.
Implementing these tips will enhance the effectiveness of your spraying operations and minimize environmental impacts. Explore our range of nozzle selections to find the perfect nozzle for your spray jobs.