Electrostatic technology for pesticide application. Prototype characterization and validation in super-intensive olive crops
Vigo-Morancho, Alba (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Videgain, María (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Artero, Sergio (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Vidal, Mariano (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Páez-Cano, Francisco César ; Sánchez-Hermosilla, Julián ; García-Ramos, Francisco Javier (Universidad de Zaragoza)
Resumen: Electrostatic technology for agricultural crops has been studied in recent decades to improve pesticide deposition by applying voltage to droplets, which maximizes the amount of product reaching the deepest areas of the canopy through attractive forces. However, few studies perform a comprehensive laboratory characterization of a sprayer followed by field validation in order to explore the possibility of reduced amount of chemicals, specifically for super-intensive olive cultivation.
This study aimed to conduct a laboratory evaluation of an electrostatic sprayer prototype designed for three-dimensional hedge crops and validate its performance through field experiments. Sprayer configurations associated with activated or deactivated electrostatic system (ES vs. NES, respectively) were tested. The characterization included airflow evaluation, product distribution profile, charge-to-mass ratio (CMR) quantification, and deposition trials, varying application parameters such as liquid pressure, airflow setup, and distance under controlled environmental conditions. A differentiation between adaxial and abaxial areas of the artificial target during deposition assays was also carried out. Finally, field trials compared the electrostatic sprayer to conventional application methods, providing practical insights into pesticide reduction efficiency. Laboratory results showed no differences in flow rate (L min−1) between ES and NES configurations at any tested pressure. The total accumulated volume from the vertical distribution profile showed variations associated with airflow configuration and liquid pressure as a function of distance. Deposition results revealed higher coverage and deposition when the electrostatic system was activated, regardless of distance or height, with a 70 % increase in abaxial areas compared to the NES. Field trials in super-intensive olive orchards revealed good performance in terms of coverage and deposition on artificial receptors and leaves after application with the electrostatic equipment, particularly at the highest application dose (163.3 L ha−1) compared to the conventional spraying (466.3 L ha−1), highlighting a 60 % reduction in application volume. Additionally, ground losses were significantly lower with the electrostatic sprayer, as coverage and deposition at the base of the trunk were substantially reduced compared to conventional equipment.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107429
Año: 2025
Publicado en: CROP PROTECTION 199 (2025), 107429 [17 pp.]
ISSN: 0261-2194
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Area Ingeniería Agroforestal (Dpto. CC.Agrar.y Medio Natural)
Área (Departamento): Área Ingeniería Mecánica (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
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Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-12-04-14:45:29)
This study aimed to conduct a laboratory evaluation of an electrostatic sprayer prototype designed for three-dimensional hedge crops and validate its performance through field experiments. Sprayer configurations associated with activated or deactivated electrostatic system (ES vs. NES, respectively) were tested. The characterization included airflow evaluation, product distribution profile, charge-to-mass ratio (CMR) quantification, and deposition trials, varying application parameters such as liquid pressure, airflow setup, and distance under controlled environmental conditions. A differentiation between adaxial and abaxial areas of the artificial target during deposition assays was also carried out. Finally, field trials compared the electrostatic sprayer to conventional application methods, providing practical insights into pesticide reduction efficiency. Laboratory results showed no differences in flow rate (L min−1) between ES and NES configurations at any tested pressure. The total accumulated volume from the vertical distribution profile showed variations associated with airflow configuration and liquid pressure as a function of distance. Deposition results revealed higher coverage and deposition when the electrostatic system was activated, regardless of distance or height, with a 70 % increase in abaxial areas compared to the NES. Field trials in super-intensive olive orchards revealed good performance in terms of coverage and deposition on artificial receptors and leaves after application with the electrostatic equipment, particularly at the highest application dose (163.3 L ha−1) compared to the conventional spraying (466.3 L ha−1), highlighting a 60 % reduction in application volume. Additionally, ground losses were significantly lower with the electrostatic sprayer, as coverage and deposition at the base of the trunk were substantially reduced compared to conventional equipment.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2025.107429
Año: 2025
Publicado en: CROP PROTECTION 199 (2025), 107429 [17 pp.]
ISSN: 0261-2194
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Area Ingeniería Agroforestal (Dpto. CC.Agrar.y Medio Natural)
Área (Departamento): Área Ingeniería Mecánica (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material. 0
Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-12-04-14:45:29)
Este artículo se encuentra en las siguientes colecciones:
Articles > Artículos por área > Ingeniería Agroforestal
Articles > Artículos por área > Ingeniería Mecánica
Record created 2025-11-21, last modified 2025-12-04
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