ASSESSING OFF-TARGET DRIFT AND ON-TARGET DEPOSITION UNIFORMITY OF A BACKPACK MAGNETIC SPRAYER IN A SUGARCANE PLANTATION
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Efficient and precise application of pesticides in agricultural settings is crucial to ensure effective pest control while minimizing environmental impacts. The use of backpack magnetic sprayers has gained attention as a potential solution for improving spray deposition uniformity and reducing off-target drift. This study aimed to assess the performance of a backpack magnetic sprayer in a sugarcane plantation, specifically focusing on off-target drift and on-target deposition uniformity. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the spray distribution pattern, droplet size spectrum, and deposition uniformity on target surfaces. The results were compared with a conventional backpack sprayer. The findings indicated that the magnetic sprayer significantly reduced off-target drift by enhancing droplet retention and deposition on the target surface. Moreover, it exhibited improved deposition uniformity compared to the conventional sprayer. The study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of backpack magnetic sprayers in sugarcane plantations, highlighting their potential to optimize pesticide application and mitigate environmental risks