LABORATORY REPORT

ABSTRACT
The laboratory report focused on the calibration of a knapsack sprayer, specifically examining
the discharge rate and application rate. The discharge rate calibration involved filling the sprayer
tank with tap water, checking for leaks, and observing the discharge from the nozzle under
various pumping conditions. The particle size, spray angle, and discharge rate were measured for
each condition to assess the impact of pumping rate on these parameters. Calibration of sprayers
is an important activity in any weeds control.(Udensi U. E.)

For the application rate assessment, the sprayer was mounted on the operator's back, and a
simulation of the spraying operation was conducted. Three measurements are important when
calibrating a new or old knapsack sprayer. This are walking speed of the operator, output per
minute of the sprayer expressed in liters and lastly the width of each pass of the sprayer or Swath
Width expressed in meters.(Udensi U. E.)The operator walked forward, ensuring full spray
coverage of the ground for 1 minute. Measurements were taken to determine the distance
covered, effective width (swath), time required to spray one hectare, amount of water applied per
hectare, and the number of refills needed per hectare.

The results were tabulated based on the datas gathered in each group. The practical significance
of the datas were discussed and understanding the relationship between pumping rate and
discharge rate, as well as the efficiency of water application per hectare provides valuable
insights for optimizing the use of knapsack sprayers in agricultural or gardening applications.
INTRODUCTION

The laboratory report focuses on the meticulous calibration process of a knapsack sprayer,
particularly examining its discharge rate and application efficiency. The calibration procedure
entails a series of precise steps, commencing with filling the sprayer tank with tap water and
meticulously checking for leaks to ensure optimal functionality. Sprayer calibration determines
the volume of water that will be applied on a given area by a given applicator under a given
condition. (Mirza Hasanuzzaman)

Calibration of sprayer is one of the most important things in order to accurately and
safely apply pesticides. Every sprayer is different so in order to get the correct application rate
each sprayer requires calibrating. The aim is to try and work out the area one full knapsack full
of water and pesticide will cover when sprayed. There are many variables such as sprayer
capacity, operator walking speed, the pressure, the type of nozzle being used and the nozzle
height from the target which can affect what area a full tank of spray will cover. If a sprayer is
incorrectly calibrated this can result in under dosing or overdosing areas with chemical.(Agrigem)

Subsequently, the study progresses to assess the discharge rate under various pumping
conditions, meticulously measuring the water discharge per minute. This evaluation includes
observing particle size, spray angle, and analyzing the discharge rate in liters per minute under
different pumping conditions.

Transitioning to the application rate assessment, the study involves mounting the sprayer
on the operator's back to simulate a practical spraying operation. The operator walks forward,
ensuring comprehensive spray coverage of the ground for a specified duration. Measurements
are taken to calculate the distance covered, effective width, time required to spray one hectare
efficiently, and the volume of water applied per hectare.

By conducting these calibration and application rate assessments, the study aims to
optimize the efficiency and accuracy of knapsack sprayers for agricultural and gardening
applications. Understanding the practical implications of these calibration processes is crucial for
enhancing the effectiveness and precision of knapsack sprayers in real-world usage scenarios.
METHODS
Calibration of Knapsack Sprayer:

Discharge

1. Fill the sprayer tank with tap water.

2. Pump the sprayer SX and check for leaks, tightening any leaking connections if necessary.

3. Depress the cut-off valve and check the discharge of the nozzle, cleaning any plugged nozzles
if necessary.

4. Release the pressure completely by depressing the cut-off valve.

5. Initialize the sprayer pressure by pumping it 3 times.

6. Depress the cut-off valve and collect the discharge in a 1-liter graduated cylinder for 1 minute
under specific pumping conditions.

7. Observe particle size, spray angle, and measure the discharge rate (L/min) under each
condition.

8. Replicate the procedure 3 times and ensure sufficient water in the tank.

9. Plot the discharge rate against the pumping rate and analyze the results.

Application Rate Assessment:

1. Mount the sprayer on the operator's back.

2. Simulate the spraying operation by walking forward, swinging the lance laterally to ensure full
spray coverage of the ground for 1 minute.

3. Measure the distance traveled and the effective width (swath) covered during the simulation.

4. Calculate the time required to spray one hectare at 100 percent field efficiency.

5. Determine the amount of water applied per hectare and the number of refills needed.

6. Repeat the procedure for all members of the group and tabulate the results.
MATERIALS
 Knapsack sprayer
 Tap water
 1-liter graduated cylinder
 Stopwatch
 Measuring tape
 Meter stick
 Marker
 Calculator
 Pale
 Dipper
RESULT

For discharge rate

- Interval 30 seconds: 665 mL

- Interval 20 and 40 seconds: 921 mL

- Interval 15,30 and 45 seconds: 1025 mL

- Interval 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50seconds: 1315 mL

The calculated F-value is 5.17. Comparing this to the critical F-values at the 5% and 1%
significance levels:

- Critical F-value at 5%: 4.07

- Critical F-value at 1%: 7.59

The ANOVA analysis indicates that there’s a significant difference from the treatment during the
calibration process, suggesting variations in the discharge rates under different time intervals.
This highlights the importance of precise calibration for optimizing the performance of the
knapsack sprayer in pesticide application.
For Application Rate

Swath/Width: 3.2 meters

- Walking Speed: 17.7 m/min

- Discharge Rate: 1.2 L/min

Based on the datas gathered, the calculated time required to spray one hectare is approximately
176.55 minutes. This indicates the time needed to cover one hectare of land with the given
walking speed and swath width at 100% field efficiency.

The number of refills per hectare is estimated to be 13.24, which is practically rounded up to 14
loads per hectare. This information is crucial for planning and optimizing the pesticide
application process, ensuring adequate coverage and efficiency in agricultural practices.
DISCUSSION
The calibration and testing of the knapsack sprayer's discharge rate and application
efficiency were crucial for understanding its performance. By examining how the sprayer
functioned under different conditions, we gained insights into its effectiveness in pesticide
application.

 Discharge Rate Evaluation:

 We measured how the sprayer discharged water at various pumping intervals to see how
it performed under different pressures.
 Observing particle size and spray angle helped us understand how well the sprayer
covered the target area.
 Plotting the discharge rate against pumping rate showed us how the sprayer's output
changed with pumping intensity.

 Application Rate Assessment:

 Simulating the spraying operation allowed us to evaluate how well the sprayer covered
the ground.
 Calculating the time and water amount needed per hectare gave us practical data for
efficient pesticide application.
CONCLUSION
The calibration and evaluation of the knapsack sprayer provided valuable insights into its
performance in application. By meticulously assessing the discharge rate and application
efficiency under various conditions, we gained essential data for optimizing its functionality. The
significant difference identified through ANOVA analysis emphasizes the importance of
accurate calibration for effective pesticide application. Understanding how different pumping
rates impact discharge and application efficiency is crucial for enhancing precision and
productivity in agricultural practices. The practical significance of these results lies in improving
the accuracy and efficiency of pesticide application, contributing to more effective and
sustainable agricultural practices.

The application rate results, including swath/width, walking speed, and discharge rate,
were instrumental in determining the time required to spray one hectare and the number of refills
per hectare. These findings are crucial for planning and executing pesticide application
efficiently in agricultural settings. Overall, the practical significance of these results lies in
enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of pesticide application, contributing to improved
agricultural practices.

REFERENCES
https://hasunazzaman.weebly.com/uploads/9/3/4/0/934025/calibration_of_knapsack_sprayer.pdf

Adorio(2024)

https://www.agrigem.co.uk/advice-centre/how-to-guides/equipment/how-to-calibrate-a-
knapsacksprayer/#:~:text=How%20To%20Calibrate%20a%20Sprayer,put%20it%20into%20the
%20knapsack.&text=%2D%20Make%20sure%20you%20have%20a,forwards%20in%20a%20st
raight%20line.

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/equipment-calibration-knapsack/43090061