Engineering, Energy, Transport AIC

Dmytro MAKARENKO – Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Operation of Machine and Tractor Park of Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University (Dnipro, Serhiy Efremov St., 25, e-mail: makarenko.d.o@dsau.dp.ua, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3166-6249).
Elchyn ALIIEV – Doctor of Technical Sciences, Senior Researcher, Professor of the Department of Technical Systems Engineering of Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University (St. S. Efremova, 25, Dnipro, Ukraine, 49000, e-mail: aliev@meta.ua, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4006-8803). 
Viacheslav SAKHNO – Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Higher Mathematics, Physics and General Engineering Disciplines ((Dnipro, Serhiy Efremov St., 25, e-mail: sakhno1960@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2314-4547)
Valerii KOVAL – postgraduate student of the EІP «Industrial Mechanical Engineering» of the Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University (Dnipro, Serhiy Yefremov St., 25, e-mail: koval.v.o@dsau.dp.ua, https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0736-0343).

Ensuring uniform transverse distribution of spray liquid during crop protection treatments is a key factor determining the effectiveness of pesticide application and reducing losses of active ingredients. Non-uniform application leads to untreated zones and local overdosing, which negatively affects both crop yield and environmental safety. This article presents the results of experimental research on the influence of boom height and operating pressure in the supply line on the uniformity of spray distribution when using flat-fan nozzles.
The experiments were conducted on a test bench manufactured in accordance with relevant standards (ISO) for evaluating distribution uniformity. Boom height was varied within the range of 0,15-0,9 m, while the operating pressure was adjusted between 0,2 and 0,6 MPa. The collected data were processed using the least squares method, with determination of mean values, variances, standard deviations, and coefficients of variation. Regression models were developed in the Wolfram Mathematica environment, and corresponding response surface plots were generated to identify optimal operating zones for the sprayer.
The experimental results showed that at boom heights below 0,4 m, the coefficient of variation reached 30-75%, exceeding agronomic requirements several times. Increasing the height to approximately 0,6 m significantly reduced distribution non-uniformity for all pressure levels studied. Using the constructed response surfaces, optimal combinations of parameters that provide the highest level of spray uniformity were identified.
Practical recommendations were formulated for field application: a boom height of 0,7-0,8 m is advisable at 0,2 MPa; 0,5-0,7 m at 0,3 MPa; and approximately 0,5 m at 0,6 MPa. The findings can be used to improve spraying guidelines and enhance the efficiency of pesticide application. The article also outlines prospects for future research aimed at further optimization of structural and operational parameters of boom sprayers.

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