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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

Effect of sprayer specifications and working parameters on field efficiency and work rate

Yousif, L. A.

 Abstract

Tractor-driven sprayers are recently used for herbicides application in the mechanized rainfed agriculture in eastern Sudan. They were locally made in Gedarif, Sudan. The specifications of these locally made sprayers vary widely, especially in tank capacity and boom length. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the specifications (tank capacity and boom length) of these sprayers and their working parameters (operating speed and field length) on field efficiency and work rate. Eight sprayers of different specifications were studied. Data on filling, preparing, turning, and stopping times were taken for each sprayer. Then, field efficiency and work rate were calculated. Results showed that all studied parameters were significantly (P=0.01) affected both field efficiency and work rate, but the magnitude of the effect of each parameter varied. Sprayer's field efficiency increased with increased tank capacity and field length, and with decreased spraying run length and operating speed, whereas sprayer work rate increased with increased tank capacity, boom length and operating speed as well as field length.

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 14 (2009) PP. 95-106