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Automated Spray System for Application of Solutes to Small Field Plots
Author(s) -
Ghodrati Masoud,
Ernst Frederick F.,
Jury William A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1990.03615995005400010046x
Subject(s) - sprayer , plot (graphics) , deposition (geology) , range (aeronautics) , boom , tracer , volume (thermodynamics) , environmental science , biological system , materials science , mathematics , environmental engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering , geology , thermodynamics , composite material , physics , statistics , paleontology , sediment , biology , nuclear physics
Uniform application of chemical solutions onto the soil surface is an important step in solute transport field research. An automated spray system is described which facilitates the application of a spatially uniform solution volume to small plots. The system consists of a portable frame which mounts over the plot, a traveling spray boom, and a pressure activated tank. The motorized spray boom allows for a consistent, uniform application of known volumes of solution over the plot area. This sprayer was designed and used for surface application of pesticide, tracer, and dye solutions to plots of 1.5 by 1.5 m. An application uniformity of over 95% was obtained for each chemical within the inner 1‐ by 1‐m area. The range of relative deposition over this inner area was from 95 to 109% of the plot average. The exact design principles could be used to construct similar systems for spraying larger plots.