Spot spray application modelling : From prescription map to simulated as-applied map using sprayer specific parameters

Samenvatting

Spot spraying can result in large savings of plant protection products, reducing environmental impact and inputs costs. To quantify savings a spot spray model was developed which uses a shape file containing polygons with spots to spray as input. By applying machine configuration parameters and settings and a nozzle distribution pattern, as-applied maps are calculated. A section sprayer, with multiple nozzles linked together, was compared with an individual nozzle sprayer, which individually controls each nozzle. Randomly created shape files with different spot densities and spot diameter were used as input. The largest savings are found for the smallest spot density and spot diameter for the individual nozzle sprayer. In case of the largest simulated spot density and spot diameter spray application with the section sprayer almost equalled a broadcast application.