A SIMPLE GUIDE TO PREDICTING AIRCRAFT SPRAY DRIFT

A sensitivity analysis has been performed on a simple Gaussian Diffusi on Model used to predict spray drift deposition from agricultural airc raft at far wake distances. It is intended that the model be used as a training tool to demonstrate clearly the basic effects of windspeed, turbulence intensity, release height, droplet size and uniformity on f ar downwind spray drift deposition i.e. at distances greater than 50 m . Overlapping the model outputs has also provided a useful benchmark a gainst which experimentally obtained spray drift values may be compare d. This information has assisted in the preparation of guidelines rega rding required buffer zone distances and the best ways in which aircra ft pesticide spray drift can be effectively reduced and managed. (C) 1 998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.