Evaluation of Remote-Controlled spraying rover in high-density apple orchards

Authors

  • JAGVIR DIXIT Professor & Head Division of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India
  • Ahmar Bashir Division of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Srinagar-
  • Hilaas Ahmad Peerzada
  • Farooq Ahmad Bhat Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

Abstract

The study evaluates the performance, effectiveness and efficiency of the remote-controlled spraying rover in comparison to traditional sprayers for high-density apple orchards in Kashmir region of India. The analysis process involved spray pattern, Swath width, discharge rate, average droplet size, leaf coverage area, uniformity coefficient and field efficiency. It revealed that forward speed, boom height, and pump pressure significantly affect droplet characteristics in spraying. Higher pressure produced smaller droplets, while lower boom height and slower speed resulted in larger droplets. Optimal mean droplet sizes were found at 0.96 µm (top) and 29.47 µm (bottom). Droplet distribution and leaf coverage were influenced similarly, with the middle section having the highest droplet count and coverage. Uniformity coefficients varied from 0.5 to 0.94, showing optimal conditions at specific parameter combinations. Discharge rate responded to pressure changes, swath width and work rate increased with higher pressure and boom height. Field efficiency ranged from 82.12 to 82.73%. Optimized parameters of forward speed of 0.61 km.h-1, boom height of 135 cm, and pump pressure of 1.45 kg.cm-2, enhanced overall efficiency for agricultural spraying.

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Published

2025-06-29

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 2 (2025): CIGR Journal

Section

III-Equipment Engineering for Plant Production