Optimization of Operational Parameters for Tractor Operated Swinging Lance Sprayer by Using ASPEE-SPGF Spray Guns

Abstract

Spraying is one of the critical operations in agriculture. The importance of the use of chemical pesticides was well recognized in agriculture.  Consumption of pesticides was increasing year by year, on the other hand, wastage of chemical pesticides also alarming due to excess application of pesticides. The quality spraying affects several operational factors.  Tractor operated swinging lance sprayer developed for obtaining uniformity in spraying.  Four operational factors such as spacing between spray guns, spray gun height, swing angle and pressure were considered to evaluate and optimize the operational factors for effective swath width. Full factorial design considered using Minitab software tool, 243 experiments (34*3) conducted for the study. The main effects of each factor, 2-way interaction effects and 3-way interaction effects are significant at 5% level of significance. The swath width is significantly influenced by swing angle followed by spacing between spray guns for both the spray guns. The percentage contribution of swing angle, spacing between spray guns, height of spray gun and operating pressure on swath width was 44.37%, 37.62%, 2.51% and 2.02% respectively. The optimum combination of operational parameters for effective swath width was s3 - h2 – a3 – p2. The obtained optimum operation combination for swath width significantly improved the performance of spraying activity.