SELECTION OF TEEJET NOZZLES TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF FIELD SPRAYERS

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the structural, technological, and operational characteristics of the most widely used TeeJet spray nozzle models, including TTI60, Turbo TeeJet, Turbo TwinJet, Turbo TeeJet Induction, AI-3070, XR TeeJet, AIXR TeeJet, and AIC TeeJet. The study aims to substantiate the rational selection of spray nozzles for field sprayers in order to improve the quality of pesticide application and reduce losses of working fluids under various agricultural and environmental conditions. Special attention is paid to the influence of nozzle design, spray angle, operating pressure, and material of manufacture on droplet size distribution, spray fan uniformity, and resistance to spray drift. The analysis includes a comparison of operating parameters and performance characteristics of different nozzle types, taking into account the requirements for the application of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Injector-type nozzles, particularly AIXR TeeJet, AIC TeeJet, and Turbo TeeJet Induction, were found to ensure higher resistance to wind drift and form larger, more stable droplets, making them suitable for systemic pesticides and conditions with increased drift risk. In contrast, XR TeeJet and TTI60 nozzles demonstrate higher efficiency when applying contact herbicides due to the formation of finer droplets and improved leaf surface coverage. The study also highlights the importance of matching nozzle characteristics to the physicochemical properties of agrochemicals, crop development stages, and weather conditions. The summarized results indicate that proper nozzle selection significantly enhances the biological effectiveness of pesticide application, reduces non-productive losses of liquids, and improves environmental safety by minimizing drift and soil contamination. The findings confirm that modern TeeJet spraying technologies, especially those involving air-induction systems, contribute to higher precision of application, improved uniformity of coverage, and enhanced efficiency of field sprayers under diverse agronomic scenarios.