The Influence of Nozzle Type, Operating Pressure, and Tank-Mixture Components on Droplet Characteristics and the EPA's Drift Reduction Rating
SourceThe introduction of drift reduction technology (DRT) guidelines by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established testing protocols for nozzles, agrochemicals, application parameters, and combinations thereof for applying agrochemicals by certified individuals in the United States. The Pesticide Application and Technology Laboratory in North Platte, Nebraska, sought to develop a large database of droplet spectrum data in regards to agrochemical applications by ground systems. The results of this study indicated that nozzle type had the greatest impact on the droplet spectrums measured. DRT star ratings ranged from zero to four, depending upon nozzle selection and adjuvant inclusion. The results of this study indicated that factors that affect a droplet spectrum, including nozzle type, tank-mixture components, and operating pressure, should be tested together when submitting data to the EPA.