Optimizing the Impact of Spray Characteristics of Hybrid Drone on Spray Deposition in Cotton Crops
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The effectiveness of a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for optimizing crop booster application on cotton crops (variety Co-14) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is evaluated in this research.The hybrid UAV, featuring a 12-litre sprayer tank and powered by an internal combustion engine and brushless direct current motor, was tested at heights of 1 and 2 m and speeds of 3 and 4 m s -1 .The objective was to determine optimal parameters for maximizing droplet deposition and minimizing spray drift.The results indicated that at 1 m and 3 m s -1 , the droplet density in the target area was 148 ± 8 drops/cm 2 , compared to 136 ± 4 drops/cm 2 at 2 m.The volume median diameter at 1 m and 3 m s -1 was 361 µm, and the number median diameter was 392 µm, showing higher deposition and uniform droplet sizes at lower heights and lower speeds.Spray drift analysis indicated reduced off-target movement at 1 m and 3 m s -1 , showing a non-target droplet density of 54 ± 4 drops/cm 2 compared to 42 ± 6 drops/cm 2 at 2 m.The study concludes that the optimal UAV operation parameters are 1 m height and 3 m s -1 speed, enhancing droplet deposition, minimizing drift, and improving spray efficiency.
Source: Current Science
Authors: P. Rajesh, A. P. Mohankumar, R. Kavitha, B. Suthakar, K. Ganesan
Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4406177779