Distribution and drift testing was performed on a test grid. A 5-percent red food dye solution was sprayed on white test cards 6 inches above the ground. The cards were 2½ feet apart for 15 feet on either side of the centerline (figure 10).

Testing was conducted when the wind speed was less than 4 miles per hour, so wind drift was minimal. The cards were scanned using REMSpC Stainalysis program. This test gave a general overview of the difference between a boom and a boomless nozzle at two different speeds. More extensive testing of ATV spray nozzles would be beneficial because the technology continues to change rapidly.

Figure 10—A 5-percent red food dye solution was sprayed on white test cards during
distribution and drift testing. The ATV sprayed the dye solution perpendicular to the
line of test cards using either the boom or boomless nozzles at speeds of 2½ and 4½
miles per hour. The inset shows the spray droplet pattern on a test card.

Figure 11 shows the REMSpC Stainalysis program's results of testing with a boom and a boomless nozzle when the ATV was driven at 4½ miles per hour. Figure 12 shows the REMSpC Stainalysis program's results of testing with the five-nozzle boom at 2½ and 4½ miles per hour. Figure 13 shows the results of testing with the boomless nozzle tested at 4½ miles per hour.

Figure 11—Results from the REMSpC Stainalysis program show a volume density
graph and a the spray droplets on small section of the card used in the analysis
for both the boom and boomless nozzles at 4½ miles per hour.

Figure 12—Results from the REMSpC Stainalyis program for the boom nozzle
distribution test show the volume median drop diameter, drop density, and
volume density at 2½ and 4½ mph. The boom has five flat fan nozzles
(TurboTeeJet TT110002) that are 20 inches from the ground and spaced
20 inches apart.

Figure 13—Results from the REMSpC Stainalysis program for the boomless nozzle
distribution test show the volume median drop diameter, drop density, and volume
density in gallons per acre (gpa) at 4½ miles per hour. The single boomless nozzle
(Boominator 1400FM) has a 22-foot spray pattern and was mounted 36 inches from
off the ground at a 45-degree angle to the ground.