Agrifac and lowered tree new on drift reduction list

The Technical Committee for Technology Assessment (TCT) has published a new list for drift-reducing techniques (DTR) and drift-reducing nozzles (DRD). New to the list include the Agrifac HTA system and 2 nozzles with an 80 degree tip angle for use with the lowered boom height.

The HTA (highTechAir) DriftControlPlus system from sprayer manufacturer Agrifac from Steenwijk is a popular option on their self-propelled Condor sprayers. The pain was great for many users when a pressure logger for both fluid and air pressure became mandatory. In addition, the amount of air pressure that may be mixed with the liquid was limited.

30cm above crop
The HTA technique is included in the new DRT list. It is classified in the DRT classes 75%, 90% and 95% drift reduction, whereby a pressure recording device is no longer mandatory. It is mandatory that the tree hangs a maximum of 30 cm above the crop and is equipped with Agrifac air liquid mixing nozzles at a distance of 25 cm. An Agrifac edge cap must also be fitted. A fluid pressure of minimum 2 bar and maximum 6 bar (at 75% and 90%) and 4 bar (at 95%) is permitted. Maximum driving speed is 8 km/h.

Other brands that use the air-liquid technique do not have this specific exemption. A self-propelled vehicle from, for example, Delvano must therefore have a combination of registration for the fluid and air pressure. Airtec and Airjet, among others, are systems with a similar operating principle. Delvano is working on a specific authorization for their system, but research into this has not yet been completed in Wageningen.

3 new caps
Since last year, the DRD list has been missing enough nozzles that can be used in combination with a lowered boom height. The list has now been supplemented with the Albuz AVI 80-01 and 80-015. These are classified in the drift class 50% at a maximum spray pressure of 7 bar. In combination with air support, the drift class goes to 90%. Another new cap is the Lechler ID 120-06. At a maximum spray pressure of 8 bar, it falls into the 50% and 75% class. At 6 bar that is 90%.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.