Introduction Background Research Objective and Hypothesis Materials and Procedure
Results : Variables Related to Leaf Surface Results : Variables Related to Liquid
Results : Variables Related to Method of Application Conclusions and Final Thoughts
When
a pesticide droplet encounters the leaf surface, it is forced into a
pancake shape. It then rebounds (Droplet rebound) and falls off the
leaf surface. This is known as runoff. Pesticide droplets are also lost
to spray drift. On an overall basis, only 50% of the applied spray is
retained by the leaf.
Solid-Liquid Interaction: Hydrophobic surface of leaf creates a non-wetting interface for the pesticide. A Lotus leaf is the most hydrophobic.
Droplet Rebound: This is a consequence of the soil-liquid interactions. More hydrophobic surface; greater rebound.
Spray Drift: This is caused by the movement of spray droplets or vapors. Spray drift can be reduced by increasing droplet size.
Image 1: Nikhita Singh
Image 2: Source: http://physicsweb.org/articles/world/14/5/8
Background Research
