The improper use of pesticide-application technology, related to the use of spray nozzles and the addition of adjuvants, is directly related to a greater risk of drift. This study aimed to quantify the spray drift generated by nozzles, both with and without air induction, in applications of glyphosate and adjuvants. The experiment was conducted in a wind tunnel, using the herbicide, glyphosate, either pure or in combination with urea or a drift-reducing adjuvant (LI700). Collections were made on polyethylene strings, at distances of 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 m from the spray-boom, and at heights of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 m from the floor of the tunnel; the drift was measured using a process of electrical conductivity. The results showed greater drift at the lower heights, giving the same results for all solutions and at all distances. The flat nozzle with air induction (AVI 110-015) gave a smaller drift relative to the standard flat nozzle (AXI 110-015) for all solutions tested. With the standard flat nozzle, adding an adjuvant reduced the drift at the three distances tested, for the solution containing pure herbicide. For the flat fan nozzle with air induction however, the urea increased drift at all distances compared to other the spray solutions. Urea can be employed in applications where the standard flat tip model is used, as it reduces the risk of drift.
Application Technology; Pesticides; Urea; Plants-effects of herbicide; Wind Tunnel
