Ground Spray 1.7

The Pesticide Application Technology group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC) in North Platte, NE, conducts research focused on optimizing pesticide application techniques, with particular attention to efficacy and drift reduction. Our work involves deploying advanced measurement technologies, including laser diffraction systems within static chambers, as well as low- and high-speed wind tunnels, to evaluate the impact of variables such as nozzle selection, adjuvant chemistry, sprayer configuration, and wind speed on spray performance.

We have established collaborative partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions, including Wilbur-Ellis Co., the USDA-ARS Aerial Application Technology team, and the University of Queensland in Australia. These collaborations aim to enhance our understanding of factors affecting spray quality and drift management, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective and environmentally responsible pesticide application practices. Our research is driven by the necessity to safeguard crop yields from pest-related losses while promoting sustainable agricultural practices that protect human health and environmental integrity.

This project has resulted in the development of a user-friendly application designed for custom applicators and growers. It enables users to predict spray quality prior to application by inputting parameters such as nozzle type, spray angle, orifice size, spray pressure, and solution type. The app calculates spray quality based on our research findings and allows users to save or share results via email. Additionally, it provides droplet size spectra across various input conditions, offering insights into potential drift risks associated with different application parameters.

As our research progresses, additional data points will be incorporated, ensuring that applicators have access to the most current information on spray quality and drift potential, thereby supporting more precise and effective pesticide applications in diverse operational contexts.