A tractor-mounted boom sprayer has nozzles spaced $50\text{ cm}$ apart. Each nozzle delivers $1.4\text{ L/min}$. If the tractor travels at $4.8\text{ km/h}$, the spray application rate in $\text{L/ha}$ is:
Options:
(A) $350.0\text{ L/ha}$
(B) $437.5\text{ L/ha}$
(C) $280.0\text{ L/ha}$
(D) $525.0\text{ L/ha}$
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
The field application rate $Q_a$ (in L/ha) for a boom sprayer is given by:
$Q_a = \frac{600 \times q}{s \times v}$
Where:
- $q = 1.4\text{ L/min (discharge per nozzle)}$
- $s = 0.5\text{ m (nozzle spacing)}$
- $v = 4.8\text{ km/h (forward speed)}$
$Q_a = \frac{600 \times 1.4}{0.5 \times 4.8} = 350.0\text{ L/ha}$