Dust drift reduction effect of an air conveyor kit (dual-pipe deflector) mounted on different maize pneumatic drills.

BACKGROUND: All maize drills produce a fine dust due to the seed coating abrasions that occur inside the seeding element. The air stream generated by the fan of pneumatic drills - necessary to create a depression in the sowing element of the machine and to guarantee correct seed deposition - can blow away the solid particles detached from the seeds. In order to reduce this phenomenon, a coated maize seeds company (Syngenta®) has set up an ad hoc dual-pipe deflector kit that easily fits different pneumatic drills (also old drills). In this study, the efficiency of this kit and the influence of different drill types on the kit's performance in reducing environmental pollution were evaluated using three different pneumatic seed drill models. RESULTS: The research showed that a dual-pipe deflector installed on a drill in standard configuration did not change the seeder performance, and by using this kit on pneumatic drills, irrespective of their design, it is possible to reduce by up to 69% the amount of dust drift in comparison with the conventional machine set-up. CONCLUSION: The dual-pipe deflector, under the conditions employed in the present experiments, showed good performance with all types of maize pneumatic drill used. Irrespective of the seeder model on which it is mounted, it is able to obtain similar results, indicating its high operational versatility. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of sprayer settings on spray drift during pesticide application in poplar plantations (Populus spp.).

This study assessed spray drift generated by sprayer settings commonly used for pesticide application in poplar plantations (Populus spp.). Tests were conducted per the ISO 22866 methodology using a mounted air-assisted sprayer (Tifone VRP600) equipped with a swivel-cannon air conveyor (model Cannone 50S). Trials evaluated sprayer settings, combinations of nozzle types, airflow rates, and air direction in both adult and young poplar plantations. Overall, spray drift amounts registered downwind of poplar plantations were less than those obtained to derive reference drift curves during the EU Plant Protection Product registration process that used late-growth-stage fruit crops. In the adult poplar plantation, Venturi nozzles (TVI 8004 red) yielded the highest drift reductions compared to reference sprayer setting, especially at distances farthest from the sprayed area (86% between 40 and 47m). Highest total drift reductions were achieved when conventional nozzles (1.81mm ceramic disc-core) were combined with their spray direction modified for an inclined cannon spray unit. Alternatively, the young poplar plantation showed no drift reduction for distances farthest from the sprayed area, regardless of sprayer settings, which likely resulted from lower foliage density and widely-spaced rows. Yet, both Venturi nozzles combined with high fan flow rates and conventional nozzles combined with reduced fan flow rate showed total spray drift reductions of over 70% within the downwind sampling area. These experimental results represent the first set of data on spray drift amounts in poplar plantations, which is key for defining the reference curves and best practices to reduce spray drift in tall tree plantations.

Filtration system performance cleaning exhaust air of pneumatic maize seed drills.

BACKGROUND: In the agricultural sector, toxic substances can be released into the atmosphere. In recent years, Europe has encountered a significant environmental issue related to the dispersion of pesticides during maize seeding, especially when performed with pneumatic seed drills. This phenomenon can be very dangerous for insects, as the dispersed dust contains pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, etc.) used to dress maize seeds. On the basis of these considerations, experimental tests have been carried out using a filtration system to clean the airflow that exits from the fan of pneumatic maize seed drills. RESULTS: The tested filtration system does not interfere with the seeding quality because the vacuum level observed within the filtration system assembled on the seeder (5.7 kPa) is 27% higher than the correct vacuum level to guarantee good seeding quality (4.2 kPa). In addition, it enables a reduction in the risk of environmental contamination, as no dust deposits were found at different distances from the machine. CONCLUSION: The use of a filtration system shows advantages in terms of environmental and operator safety because dangerous materials are contained in the filter case, thus avoiding contamination of neighbouring areas and the machinery used (tractor and seed drill). © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potential external contamination of pneumatic seed drills during sowing of dressed maize seeds.

BACKGROUND: The use of pneumatic drills in maize cultivation causes dispersion in the atmosphere of some harmful substances normally used for dressing maize seeds. Some of the dust particles may be deposited on the machine's body, becoming dangerous for the environment and for operators. The aim of the present study was to analyse the amount of dust deposited on the frame of drills during maize sowing operations. Tests were performed with different drills and in different operating conditions. RESULTS: Data analysis showed that a significant amount (up to 30%) of the tracer can be deposited on the drill body. When wind was not present, higher quantities of tracer were collected and the forward speed did not influence significantly the tracer deposit on the seed drills. The use of different devices designed to prevent dust dispersion was able to limit up to 95% but was not able to eliminate the external contamination of the drill. CONCLUSION: The particles present on drills could become a problem for the operator during the filling of the drill. Additionally, the environment can be contaminated if pesticide remains on the drill, generating point-source pollution when the drill is parked outside. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.