Predicting off-site deposition of spray drift from horticultural spraying through porous barriers on soil and plant surfaces

Abstract

New Zealand is a recognised leader in horticultural practices which include the use of boundary shelterbelts around orchards. These shelterbelts were primarily established to provide protection to the crop but are also an effective means of ameliorating agrichemical spray drift that may arise from the crop production area. Shelterbelt structure ranges from large trees (ranging from broad leaf to needle in structure) to hedgerows and artificial netting. The efficiency of the shelterbelt in capturing spray drift is known to depend on factors such as spray drift droplet size, wind velocity and the vegetation structure. However more specific information and models are required to define the capture efficiency to form part of a comprehensive spray drift management system.