Desempenho de pontas e volumes de calda na pulverização aérea em milho com um VANT pulverizador

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aerial application in corn cultivation using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) for spraying. Due to the significant challenges that modern agriculture faces related to efficiency and sustainability, we increasingly need methods that enhance the application of pesticides to optimize productivity and environmental impact. The research sought to analyze the application quality with UAVs in corn cultivation, with different spray volumes (7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 L ha-1) and two types of spray nozzles (XR 11001 and TXA 8001). The experiment was conducted at the field level, using water-sensitive papers for data collection, and subsequent evaluation of the application through parameters such as volumetric average diameter, applied volume, droplet density, and percentage of coverage. The results obtained in the work show that UAVs, when combined with good application technology and good climatic conditions for spraying, can indeed provide good application in corn cultivation. The results also affirm that the correct choice of spray volume and spray nozzle to be used makes a difference in the quality of the application. For percentage of coverage, for example, the volume of 30 L ha-1 showed an increase of 77.52% compared to the volume of 7.5 L ha-1 in the lower third of the plant. The TXA 8001 hollow cone jet nozzle presented 51.97 drops cm-2 while the XR 11001 flat fan nozzle provided 38.92 drops cm-2 in the lower third of the plant. Thus, UAVs present significant potential for modernization in agriculture, with the recurring increase in autonomy, capacity, and studies on the subject, increasingly providing quality field spraying in corn cultivation.