Testing spray drift reduction of the Kilter AX-1 spray application system

In this study, the Kilter AX-1 spray system for targeted spray applications was investigated to classify its drift reduction potential for downward spray applications. The spray module, SDT-N2, produced a series of large drops, released on demand, to be directed to the target (e.g. weed). The current protocol for testing drift reducing nozzles (DRN) did not fit to the Kilter AX-1 system. Therefore, an adapted protocol for classifying the Kilter AX-1 system as a drift reducing technique (DRT) was designed in accordance with the TCT (Technical Committee for the assessment of Techniques). This new protocol covered two steps: (1) measuring the drop size distribution of the module’s nozzles, (2) applying this drop size distribution to the IDEFICS spray drift model to determine downwind deposits of spray drift and determine the potential drift reduction of the full system. Deviations form the existing measurement protocols are indicated in this report and a justification is given. The final results showed that the Kilter AX-1 system appeared to have a very high drift reduction potential (>99%). Therefore, the system qualifies for classification as DRT99 for spray applications in arable crops.