Eficiência da velocidade de deslocamento do conjunto trator-implemento na pulverização de Panicum maximum

Abstract

The growing global demand for food requires the optimization and improvement of agricultural production techniques, especially in spraying, a crucial step in reducing losses caused by pests and diseases. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of phytosanitary products under four different spraying speeds (3.6, 5.7, 7.6 and 9.1 km/h) in an area of Panicum (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with split plots (4 X 2), with five blocks, four velocities and two basal third and median heights, in the year 2024, in Nossa Senhora da Glória – SE. For the execution of the experiment, supports were built for the hydrosensitive papers which simulated the culture in the field. After spraying, the papers were photographed and analyzed in the "Run Drops" software. Then, the data of percentage of coverage, median volumetric diameter, diameter of 10% of the droplets and diameter of 90% of the droplets were submitted to analysis of variance in the "RStudio" software, using Tukey's test of means at the level of 5% of significance, together with the heights. The speed of application directly affects the coverage and diameter of the sprayed droplets, impacting the efficiency of phytosanitary products. Higher velocities, such as 9.1 km h⁻¹, reduced coverage, especially in the basal third, and resulted in smaller droplets, compromising product penetration. The analysis of Dv.0.9 indicated lower droplet retention at the median height at this rate. The speed of 7.6 km h⁻¹ showed a better balance between coverage and penetration, being the most suitable for the application. These results reinforce the importance of adjusting speed according to the type of product and the biological target, ensuring greater efficacy and minimizing losses due to drift.