The increasing adoption of UAV-based spraying systems to deliver precise and uniform agrochemical applications is necessitating the optimization of operational parameters such as height and nozzle type to enhance efficacy and minimize the environmental impact. This study evaluated the influence of nozzle types (N-1, N-2, N-3, and N-4) and UAV heights (2 m, 2.5 m, and 3 m) on critical spraying parameters including volume median diameter (VMD), droplet density (DD), crop canopy coverage area (CA%), and swath width (SW) across different canopy positions. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in the deposition patterns across the nozzle types and heights. Among the configurations tested, nozzle N-3 at a height of 2.5 m above the crop canopy achieved the highest canopy coverage (93.5%), with an optimal volume median diameter (417.3 μm), ensuring an effective and uniform deposition across the canopy positions. Droplet density was highest at the middle canopy position (605.5 droplets/cm2) for the nozzle N-2 at 2 m, while the bottom canopy showed the most variability across the nozzle types and heights. Laboratory nozzle characterization validated these results, along with maintaining the consistency of the droplet size classification within the ASABE standards. This study demonstrates that the UAV height and nozzle type can significantly influence spraying efficiency, thus providing actionable insights for optimizing UAV-based spraying systems. These findings are particularly relevant for improving sustainable agricultural practices in Northern India, where UAV-based spraying can maximize resource efficiency and minimize environmental risks, even for smallholder farmers.
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Optimization of UAV-based Spraying Parameters and Nozzle Type Efficacy for Rice Crop Canopy
Published:
20 October 2025
by MDPI
in The 3rd International Online Conference on Agriculture
session Crop Production
Abstract:
Keywords: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles; UAV-based spraying; Droplet Deposition; Crop Protection Optimization; Spray Volume; Nozzle Selection
