Impact of Air-Induction Nozzles on the Spray Drift Potential and Bio-Efficacy of Herbicides in Sorghum halepense

Abstract

Spray drift during herbicide application poses significant challenges to weed management efficiency, environmental safety, and off-target contamination in agricultural systems. This study characterizes the impact of air-induction nozzles on spray drift potential and bio-efficacy of herbicides targeting Sorghum halepense. Field and controlled spray experiments were conducted comparing conventional flat-fan nozzles with air-induction nozzle types under varying operating pressures and environmental conditions. The results demonstrated that air-induction nozzles significantly reduced spray drift by producing larger, coarse droplets with lower susceptibility to wind displacement. Despite the reduction in drift, optimized application parameters maintained effective herbicide deposition on target weed surfaces, resulting in satisfactory control of Sorghum halepense. Moderate pressure settings were identified as optimal for balancing drift reduction and herbicide efficacy, while excessively low pressures compromised coverage and weed control performance. The study also indicated that improved droplet size distribution contributed to enhanced spray retention and reduced environmental contamination risks. While analytical tools were used to assess droplet characteristics and herbicide performance, the primary emphasis remained on improving field application practices and weed management strategies. The findings highlight the potential of air-induction nozzle technology as a practical solution for minimizing spray drift while maintaining effective weed control. This research contributes to sustainable crop protection by supporting precision application techniques that enhance herbicide efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote responsible agrochemical use.