The impact and retention of spray droplets on a horizontal hydrophobic surface

Spray retention, i.e. the overall capture of spray droplets by plants on initial or subsequent impact, and after loss due to run-off, is an important stage in the spray application process as droplet losses may result in reduced efficacy, economic loss, and environmental contamination. The aim of this exploratory study is to determine whether a new method based on calculating the volumetric proportions per impact type, i.e. adhesion, rebound and shatter, can be used to predict spray retention. These volumetric proportions are calculated based on logistic regression models, derived from vision-based droplet characteristics and impact assessments, and laser-based spray characteristics. The advantages and limitations of such a method are explored. The volumetric proportions per impact type on a horizontal, synthetic hydrophobic surface were determined for four different nozzles (XR 110 01 VS flat-fan nozzle, XR 110 04 VS flat-fan nozzle, XR 110 08 VS flat-fan nozzle and AI 110 08 VS air-induction nozzle) under controlled realistic conditions, and compared to the results of a retention test. The volumetric proportions of adhesion were much lower than the relative retentions, indicating that a considerable amount of rebound and shatter also contributed to final retention. The method should thus be improved by including the droplets retained after first impact and the retained proportions of partial droplet fragmentation but it is nevertheless considered a promising technique.