Next-generation Spray Drift Mitigation via Field-Deployable, Real-Time Weather Monitoring and Novel Spray Nozzle Control Technologies

Reducing off-target spray drift from agricultural settings is a primary goal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA's Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) program is focused on characterizing and quantifying potential drift reduction properties of spray technologies that have been shown to reduce off-target movement of spray particles from agricultural fields. Examples of current technologies include fixed-orifice air induction nozzles, spray shields, and adjuvants, all of which have seen little development over the past decade. The proposed project will provide significant innovation related to drift reduction technologies by combining field-deployable, real-time weather monitoring with a novel nozzle control technology to affect spray droplet sizes during pesticide application. Project activities would include laboratory development and field testing of the proposed system to fully verify the potential for spray drift mitigation. Successful completion of this project would result in stimulation of research and development in nozzle technology where significant advancements in the field of drift reduction technologies would occur. University of Kentucky will be a subcontract to University of Nebraska-Lincoln on this USDA AFRI Foundational Program proposal.