Subtopic: Calculation of performance parameters – field capacity, efficiency, performance index, application rate and losses
Question Statement:
A tractor boom sprayer has 12 nozzles spaced $50\text{ cm}$ apart. Each nozzle delivers a discharge of $0.90\text{ L/min}$ at nominal operating pressure. If the tractor moves forward at $6.0\text{ km/h}$, the application rate of the spray liquid in $\text{L/ha}$ is ________ (answer in integer).
Answer Key:
180
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
The standard field application rate formula for a boom sprayer is:
$Q = \frac{600 \times q}{w \times v}$
Where:
• $q = 0.90\text{ L/min}$ (discharge per nozzle)
• $w = 0.50\text{ m}$ (spacing between consecutive nozzles)
• $v = 6.0\text{ km/h}$ (forward speed)
$Q = \frac{600 \times 0.90}{0.50 \times 6.0} = \frac{540}{3.0} = 180\text{ L/ha}$