Objective testing equipment for vertical spray distribution measurement and integrated prediction software

Objective

The voluntary testing of agricultural spray equipment is gradually becoming mandatory throughout Europe. For field crop sprayers without air assistance, the measuring and testing methodology is already standardised to a large extent. For air assisted sprayers, the present test methodologies are under discussion, especially those for testing the vertical spray distribution. Having the means to reliably measure this distribution in a cost effective procedure is the main bottleneck. Comparative research has shown that the measuring methodology is at present not sufficiently reliable in relation to field trials. Proper calibration on the sprayers however is very important in effective, low drift crop protection. The submitted proposal calls for the development of accurate measuring equipment that can solve the aforementioned problems and that can contribute to the implementation of the testing procedures for air assisted sprayers.

Programme(s)

• FP4-SMT - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of standards, measurements and testing, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 01 - Measurements for quality European products

Funding Scheme

Coordinator