Evaluation of Air-Assisted Spraying Technology for Pesticide Drift Reduction

Reducing pesticide drift is essential for minimizing environmental pollution and so implementing sustainable agricultural practices. Various methods can be employed to counteract this phenomenon, one of which is air-assisted spraying. This study evaluates the impact of air assistance on spray deposition using a field sprayer designed for cereal crops. Spray quality was assessed using water-sensitive paper, allowing drift levels to be estimated not only by assessing coverage but also by measuring the average number of droplets per square centimeter on the paper surface. This method provided a more reliable evaluation of drift reduction. The results indicate that air assistance reduced drift by 40.74% in coverage and 37.55% in droplet density per square centimeter. Notably, the greatest drift reduction occurred at the point of highest coverage—1 m from the spraying area—with an average reduction of 50%. Furthermore, at this distance, an 80% drift reduction was achieved at the recommended sprayer speed of 6 km/h. These findings highlight the potential of air-assisted spraying to enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This research aligns with the objectives of the European Green Deal, supporting the transition toward more sustainable pesticide application techniques and contributing to environmentally responsible crop protection practices.