Design, fabrication and perform evaluation of an air-assisted mango (Mangifera indica) orchard sprayer
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Date
2024
Authors
Ron Jay G. De Vera and Eduardo P. Tan II
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Abstract
Conventional spraying methods in the Philippines are inefficient, time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to increased costs and pesticide use. This has prompted the adaptation of new technologies, such as air-assisted sprayers. The utilization of an air-assisted sprayer minimizes manual labor and time spent in spraying, making the process more efficient, faster and easier. This study aimed to design, fabricate and evaluate an air-assisted sprayer for mango orchards in the Philippines. The fabricated sprayer consisted of eight major components: the main frame, prime mover, pump, pipes, nozzles, tank, hose, and fan. The machine's performance was assessed based on its spray characteristics, including droplet size, density, effective field capacity, and field efficiency. The droplet size and density were collected using Kromekote cards. On the other hand, the effective field capacity and field efficiency were tested in the area spanning 1000 m2. The embedded fan of the sprayer produces an air speed of about 10.53 m/s, which helps deposit the droplets over a longer distance, making the spray reach higher tree heights. The results showed better performance at an operating pressure of 60 psi, achieving a spray height of 5.6 meters, a swath width per row of 9.2 meters, and a discharge rate of 7.03 liters per minute. Also, with the same operating pressure, it produced the finest droplets of 81 um and the highest density of 197.33 deposit/cm2, ensuring excellent leaf retention across the tree's canopy. The sprayer's actual field capacity was 1.16 hectares per hour, with a field efficiency of 92.7%. The cost of manufacturing the machine is approximately Php 28,703 per unit, with an estimated payback period of 2.33 years, a benefit-to-cost ratio of 2.68, and a net present value of Php 77,026.57, demonstrating the economic viability of the sprayer. hence, the developed air-assisted sprayer demonstrated its potential to significantly improve the efficiency of chemical application in mango orchard production.