The Use of Air Induction Nozzles for Application of Fertilizing Preparations Containing Beneficial Microorganisms

Abstract

The work presents the structure and characteristics of field sprayer nozzles, as well as their impact on the survival of beneficial organisms in the selected fertilizing preparations. EŻK and EŻKT nozzles, (EŻK and EŻKT are trade names of single and twin jet air induction nozzles, respectively), that are available on the market have shown low efficiency in the discussed characteristics. Survival of microorganisms under initial conditions at 13.6 × 106 cfu/mL and pressure of 0 MPa, under critical conditions dropped to 1.7 × 106 cfu/mL for EŻK02 and 1.2 × 106 cfu/mL for EŻKT02, in both variants at a pressure of 0.5 MPa. When increasing the flow rate of the components, i.e., the size of the outlet orifices, it was observed that the survival of microorganisms increased by about 11.3% compared to the previously tested component. This resulted from the negative impact of the following: the pressure generated by the application device, number of outlet orifices, and size of an outlet orifice. The results of survival of microorganisms are given in the colony-forming unit (CFU). In addition to providing guidelines useful in the creation of a prototype sprayer intended for use in the application of microbiological preparations, the presented characteristics are a source of information for the end user as regards the proper conditions for the application of these preparations.