Test procedure for drift reducing equipment

Drift is one of the main paths of plant protection products to non-target organisms. In Germany great efforts are made to reduce drift. Therefore sprayers are tested concerning their drift reducing ability in relation to the German basic drift values which have been determined on the basis of more than 180 drift trials with conventional sprayers. A classification system with classes of at least 50 %, 75 % and 90 % drift reduction has been introduced. Sprayers which meet the requirements of the German guideline are listed in the list of drift reducing sprayers. Nearly all of the sprayers are equipped with air injection nozzles to produce larger droplets. In orchards and hops further measures like shields on fan outlets, green detectors or tunnels are necessary to achieve the respective drift classes. Newer trials show that a drift reduction of 99 % in orchards is possible.