In field spray quality (droplet spectrum) measurement and verification by spray applicators
Tender ID: 541123
Tender Details
Tender Description
The possibility of off-target spray drift accompanying the application of pesticides is a concern both to the community and the agricultural industry. Since 2010, the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has introduced the requirement for labels to carry mandatory use statements on spray quality.
(Refer APVMA a policy known as the Operating Principles in Relation to Spray Drift Risk)
This investment aims to deliver a solution (technology, methodology, tools) that enables spray applicators to measure the spray quality (droplet spectrum) being delivered by the spray system.
The focus will be on the development of a low-cost solution, to enable spray applicators to measure on farm/in field the spray quality (droplet spectrum) of their spray system including tank mixtures being used at the time of application. If the nozzle output is not of the required spray quality, the user will be advised of possible corrective actions, after which they can check the new setup for compliance. This will enable the applicator to meet label requirements, mitigate the risk of spray drift and maximise spray performance.
The solution needs to be suitably mobile to allow for ease of on farm/in field use and be able to encompass the large number of permutations and combinations of product and product mixtures, formulation type and quality, surfactants and adjuvants, nozzle type, operating pressure and water rates.
Validation in the field of the solution will be an important component of the investment, ensuring, ease of use, and accuracy of results under field conditions.
Consideration should be given to what additional features should be incorporated into the tool, providing information in support of sprayer setup and use of spray systems (i.e., nozzle selection guides, formulation mixing orders, calibration calculators).
There will be a planned extension and training program developed and undertaken to maximise awareness and adoption. This may involve collaboration with local providers and/or organisations for the inclusion of extension materials from this project as part of their training materials during the delivery of chemical user training courses and other GRDC spray application training and extension programs.
Development of a detailed commercialisation plan to future proof the solution without continued RDC support beyond the initial investment period is proposed. The commercialisation plan should be robust enough to cover new technologies (e.g., nozzle technologies, drift reduction agents) which might be brought to the market post completion of the investment. Opportunities for collaborative support from commercial companies will be explored.
Location
New South Wales : Central West : Far North Coast : Far West : Hunter : Illawarra : Mid North Coast : Murray : New England : Orana : Riverina : Southern Highlands : Sydney
Queensland : Cairns & Far North Queensland : Gladstone : Mackay Whitsunday Region : Mount Isa & North West Region : Rockhampton : South East Queensland : South West & Darling Downs : The Central West : Townsville : Wide Bay Burnett
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Northern Territory : Big Rivers : Central Australia : East Arnhem : Greater Darwin
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania
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