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

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. EZK and EZKT nozzles, (EZK and EZKT 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 x 10(6)cfu/mL and pressure of 0 MPa, under critical conditions dropped to 1.7 x 10(6)cfu/mL for EZK02 and 1.2 x 10(6)cfu/mL for EZKT02, 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.