Agricultural Spray Nozzles:

Application Selection and Sizing

Technology Series

John W. Slocombe, extension agricultural engineer, machinery systems, Kansas State University
Ajay Sharda, extension engineer, Kansas State University

In spraying systems, nozzles break the liquid

into droplets and form the spray pattern. Nozzles 250 250
determine the application volume at a given oper- microns microns
ating pressure, travel speed, and spacing. Selecting
nozzles that produce the largest droplet size, while
500
providing adequate coverage at the intended appli- microns
cation rate and pressure, can minimize drift. 250 250
microns microns
The size of the spray particle is important
because it affects both efficacy and spray drift of the
application of a herbicide, insecticide, or fungicide.
If the size of the spray particle (for example, 250 250 250 250 250
microns microns microns microns
to 500 microns) is doubled and the application
volume stays the same, you have only one-eighth
as many spray droplets (Figure 1). For example, to
gain optimum efficacy in weed control, a 10- to Figure 1. Cutting droplet diameter in half results in eight
times the number of droplets.
20-gallons-per-acre (GPA) spray volume is typi-
cally recommended, with a medium droplet size and between rows) and broadcast applications.
suggested for contact, nontranslocating herbicides, These nozzles produce a tapered-edge, flat-fan spray
and a coarse droplet size suggested for contact, pattern (Figure 2). On boom sprayers for broadcast
translocating herbicides. Concern for drift may applications, nozzles are positioned so their output
cause you to consider using larger droplet sizes and overlaps.
higher spray volumes. Fan nozzles fall into several categories, such as:
• standard flat-fan,
Nozzle Description • even (E) flat-fan,
Nozzle types commonly used in low-pressure
agricultural sprayers include fan, hollow-cone, and • low-pressure flat-fan, and
full-cone. Special features, such as air induction • extended-range (XR) flat-fan;
(AI) and drift reducing (DG), are available for some and some special types such as
nozzles. • off-center (OC) flat-fan, and
Fan Nozzles • twin-orifice (TJ) flat-fan.
The most common type of nozzle used in New designs to reduce drift include turbo, flood,
agriculture is the fan nozzle. A fan nozzle is widely “raindrop,” and air-induction nozzles. Some fan
used for spraying pesticides — both banding (over nozzles combine several of these design elements. Fan

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
nozzles that produce very large droplets at all pressure 60 psi), they can be used on sprayers equipped with
ranges include Spraying Systems Co.’s Turbo TeeJet flow controllers.
Induction, Turbo FloodJet, and TurfJet. The special-feature fan nozzles, such as the
The standard flat-fan nozzle normally operates off-center fan, are used for boom-end nozzles so the
between 30 pounds per square inch (psi) and 60 psi, swath is uniform end-to-end versus tapered at the
with an ideal range of 30 to 40 psi. The even flat- edges. The twin-orifice fan produces two spray pat-
fan nozzles apply uniform coverage across the entire terns: one angled 30 degrees forward and the other
width of the nozzle’s spray pattern. They are used directed 30 degrees backward (Figure 2). The drop-
for banding and should not be used for broadcast lets are small due to the atomizing by two smaller
applications. The bandwidth can be controlled with orifices. The two spray directions and smaller
the nozzle-release height and the spray angle. droplets improve coverage and penetration — a plus
The extended-range flat-fan nozzle provides when applying postemergence contact herbicides,
fair drift control when operated at less than 30 psi. insecticides, and fungicides. Because of the small
This nozzle is ideal for an applicator who likes the spray droplets, drift is a concern. To produce fine
uniform distribution of a flat-fan nozzle and wants droplets, the twin-orifice usually operates between
lower operating pressures for drift control. Because 30 psi and 60 psi.
extended-range nozzles have an excellent spray Fan nozzles are available in several spray angles.
distribution over a wide range of pressures (15 to The most common spray angles are 65 degrees, 80
Flat-fan Extended Range Flat-fan
High Pressure Low Pressure

Flood
Twin-orifice Flat-fan

Even Flat-fan

Hollow-cone Full-cone

Figure 2. Relative droplet size for nozzles shown in patterns.

2 K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing
Table 1. Suggested minimum spray heights. followed by a dash, and then the discharge rate
Spray Height (inches)
at rated pressure. For example, an LF 80-5R is an
extended-range nozzle with an 80-degree spray
20-inch Spacing 30-inch Spacing
Spray angle that will apply 0.5 gpm at the rated pressure
Overlap Overlap
Angle of 40 psi.
(degrees) 50% 100% 50% 100%
The drift-reducing (DG) fan has a pre-orifice
65 22 to 24 NR NR NR
that controls the flow. The spray nozzle is approx-
80 17 to 19 26 to 28 26 to 28 37 to 39
imately one orifice-size larger than normal, but a
110 10 to 12 15 to 17 14 to 18 25 to 27 round orifice before the outlet controls the flow and,
NR: Not recommended therefore, it produces larger droplets and reduces the
degrees, and 110 degrees. Recommended nozzle number of small, drift-prone droplets.
heights for flat-fan nozzles during broadcast applica- New Fan Designs
tion are given in Table 1.
The turbulence-chamber nozzle is a design that
The correct nozzle height is measured from the incorporates a pre-orifice concept with an inter-
nozzle to the target, which may be the top of the nal-turbulence chamber. These design improve-
ground, growing canopy, or stubble. Use 110-degree ments have resulted in larger, less driftable droplets
nozzles when booms are less than 30 inches high and improved spray-pattern uniformity. Turbu-
with 30-inch nozzle spacing; use 80-degree nozzles lence-chamber nozzles are available in flat-fan and
when the booms are higher. flood-nozzle designs.
Although wide-angle nozzles produce smaller The Turbo TeeJet (TT) and the Turbo TeeJet
droplets, the lower boom height reduces the drift Induction (TTI) have the widest pressure ranges
potential more than the corresponding decrease in of the fan nozzles: 15 to 90 psi for the TT, and 15
droplet size. The nozzle spacing and orientation to 100 psi for the TTI. Both nozzles produce large
should provide for 100 percent overlap at the target droplets for less drift and are available only in 110-
height. Most fan nozzles should not be oriented degree spray angles. The Turbo flat-fan nozzle design
more than 30 degrees back from vertical. develops an improved spray pattern compared to the
Spraying Systems Co. identifies its flat-fan noz- extended-range flat fan and other drift-reducing flat-
zles with a four- or five-digit number designation. fan nozzles and is used in the application of poste-
The first numbers are the spray angle and the other mergence products. Position the nozzle so the preset
numbers signify the discharge rate at rated pressure. spray angle is directed away from the direction of
For example, the 8005 nozzle has an 80-degree travel. The Turbo flat-fan nozzle is recommended for
spray angle and will apply 0.5 gallons per minute use with electronic spray controllers, where speed
(gpm) at the rated pressure of 40 psi. The 11002 and pressure changes occur regularly.
nozzle has a 110-degree spray angle and applies The air-induction type nozzle produces large
0.2 gpm at the rated pressure of 40 psi. Additional drops through the use of a venturi air aspirator for
designations are: reducing drift. These include:
• BR = brass material • Delavan AgSpray’s Raindrop Ultra
• SS = stainless steel • Greenleaf Technologies’ TurboDrop and
• HS = hardened stainless steel AirMix
• VP = polymer with color coding • Lurmark’s Ultra Lo-Drift
• VK = ceramic with color coding • Spraying Systems Co.’s air-induction AI and
• VH = hardened stainless steel with color coding TTI
• VS = stainless steel with color coding • ABJ Agri Products’ Air Bubble Jet
Some fan nozzles are identified by LF or LF-R, • Wilger Industries’ Combo-Jet
which reflects the standard and extended-range By incorporating air into the solution, an air-
fan nozzles. The first numbers are the spray angle fluid mixture is produced. The air-fluid mixture

K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing 3
forms a larger spray droplet because air is entrapped ing nozzles. The design results in larger droplets and
in the spray solution within the nozzle. To accom- improved distribution uniformity. Turbulence in
plish the mixing, an inlet port and venturi are the chamber portion of the spray nozzle lowers exit
typically used to draw the air into the nozzle under pressure, reducing the formation of driftable drop-
reduced pressure. lets. Orifice design improves pattern uniformity over
Special calibration requirements may be neces- older-style flooding nozzles. Turbo flood nozzles
sary for some venturi nozzles. For example, Green- are recommended for soil applications, particu­larly
leaf Technologies — designer of the TurboDrop when applying tank-mix combinations of fertilizers
venturi two-piece nozzle — requires the exit orifice and herbicides.
to be two times the size of the venturi orifice. Oth- TurfJet Nozzles
erwise, the exit orifice may create a negative pres-
The TurfJet is a new nozzle designed for the turf
sure-effect in the venturi area, resulting in failure of
industry. It is modeled after the Turbo flood nozzle,
the nozzle to create the proper spray quality (actu-
which is used for agricultural field crops. The major
ally reversing flow from the air inlets). Select and
difference is that the TurfJet nozzle incorporates a
calibrate these nozzles based on the venturi orifice,
larger orifice to accommodate heavier application
which is color-coded to meet manufacturing speci-
volumes, which are common in the turf industry.
fications. A chart for this purpose is available from
the manufacturer. Hollow-Cone Nozzles
Flood Nozzles Hollow-cone nozzles (Figure 2) are generally used
to apply insecticides or fungicides to field crops when
Flood nozzles are popular for applying sus-
foliage penetration and complete coverage of leaf sur-
pension fertilizers where clogging is a potential
faces are required. These nozzles operate at pressures
problem. These nozzles produce large droplets at
ranging from 40 psi to 100 psi. Spray-drift potential
pressures of 10 psi to 25 psi. The nozzles should be
is higher from hollow-cone nozzles than from other
spaced closer than 60 inches apart. The nozzle spac-
nozzles due to the small droplets produced.
ing, orientation, and release height should be set for
100 percent overlap (see Figure 4). Full-Cone Nozzles
Nozzle spacing of 30 inches to 40 inches pro- Wide-angle, full-cone nozzles produce large
duces the best spray patterns. Pressure influences the droplets. Full-cone nozzles, which are recommended
spray patterns of flood nozzles more than fan noz- for soil-incorporated herbicides, operate at pressures
zles. However, the spray pattern is not as uniform as between 15 psi and 40 psi. Optimum uniformity
with the fan nozzles and special attention to nozzle is achieved by angling the nozzles 30 degrees and
orientation and correct overlap is critical. Besides overlapping the spray coverage by 100 percent.
fertilizer suspensions, these nozzles are used with
soil-incorporated herbicides, preemergence without Nozzle Materials
contact herbicides, and with spray kits mounted on Nozzles are made from several materials. The
tillage implements. most common are brass, nylon, stainless steel, hard-
Flood nozzles are designated TK or TF by ened stainless steel, tungsten carbide, thermoplastic,
Spraying Systems Co., and D by Delavan AgSpray. and ceramic. Ceramic and tungsten-carbide nozzles
The value following the letters is the flow rate are very longwearing and extremely corrosion-re-
divided by 10 at a rated pressure of 10 psi. For sistant. Stainless-steel nozzles last longer than brass
example, TK-SS2 and D-2 are flood nozzles that or nylon and generally produce a uniform pattern
apply 0.2 gpm at 10 psi. over an extended time period. Nylon nozzles with
The new Turbo flood nozzles (with pre-orifice stainless steel or hardened stainless-steel inserts
and turbulence chambers) have excellent spray offer an alternative to solid stainless-steel nozzles
patterns and combine the precision and uniformity at a reduced cost. Thermoplastic nozzles have good
of extended-range flat-fan spray nozzles with the abrasion resistance, but swelling can occur with
plugging resistance and wide-angle pattern of flood- some chemicals, and they are easily damaged when

4 K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing
cleaned. Nozzles made from hard materials cost Table 2. Droplet-size classification chart.
more initially, but pay for themselves because of Approximate
their long-lasting properties. Droplet VMD Range2
Category1 Symbol Color Code (microns)
Nozzle Influence on Droplet Size Very Fine VF Red < 145
Spray-drop size is one of the most important Fine F Orange 145 to 225
factors affecting drift. Because of the unusually Medium M Yellow 226 to 325
small size of the target, good coverage is essential for Coarse C Blue 326 to 400
those insecticides and fungicides that must come Very Coarse VC Green 401 to 500
into contact with the pest insect or disease-causing
Extremely
organism. Similarly, in the case of protectant fungi- XC White > 500
Coarse
cides and nonsystemic stomach poison insecticides, 1. A
 SABE (American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engi-
thorough coverage is essential, because untreated neers) Standard 572.
surfaces allow infection or crop damage to continue 2. VMD = Volume median diameter — a value where 50%
from feeding insects without exposing them to the of the total volume or mass of liquid sprayed is made up
applied control. Fine- to medium-size droplets are of droplets larger than this value, and 50% is made up of
desirable when applying insecticides and fungicides, droplets smaller than this value. Reported VMD ranges vary
because they usually provide better coverage. Fine widely, based on the type of laser analyzer used.
droplets, however, are difficult to deposit on the
target, so they may remain airborne and drift long
Table 3. Spray droplet size and droplet effects on
distances because of their small, lightweight size.
coverage.
Spray-droplet diameters are measured in Application Rate = 1 GPA
micrometers. A micrometer is approximately
Droplet Coverage Relative to
1/25,000 of an inch and is usually referred to as a Diameter Type of Droplet (per 1,000
“micron.” For reference, the thickness of a human (microns) Droplet square inch) Micron Drop
hair is approximately 100 microns. Drops smaller 5 (VF)1 Dry fog 9,220,000 200
than 150 microns in diameter (smaller than the
10 (VF) Dry fog 1,150,000 100
diameter of a sewing thread) usually pose the most
20 (VF) Wet fog 144,000 50
serious drift hazard. Drift is far less likely to be a
problem when droplets are 200 microns and larger in 50 (VF) Wet fog 9,222 20
size. Spray particles less than 50 microns in diameter 100 (VF) Fine mist 1,150 10
may remain suspended in the air indefinitely or until 150 (F) Fine mist 342 7
they evaporate. This should be avoided because there 200 (F) Fine drizzle 144 5
is no way to control deposition of very small droplets. 300 (M) Fine rain 61 3
A classification system developed by the British 500 (VC) Light rain 9 2
Crop Protection Council (BCPC) and the Amer- 1,000 (XC) Heavy rain 1 1
ican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engi- 1. See Table 2 related to droplet-size classification.
neers (ASABE) assigns a droplet-size category to a
nozzle based on droplet-size spectrum (Table 2). catalogs have droplet-class charts, and pesticide labels
This system allows for comparison of droplet size may include droplet-size category recommendations.
between various nozzles, operating conditions (pres- Table 3 provides information on the effect of
sure), and manufacturers. droplet size on coverage. Table 4 provides informa-
At a given pressure, a nozzle produces a range tion on droplet evaporation and the distance various
of droplet sizes. However, manufacturers strive to drop sizes travel before evaporating. Table 5 shows
design nozzles with uniform outputs while reducing wind-movement characteristics of various size drop-
the number of “fines” a nozzle produces. Nozzles lets. Decreasing the droplet size from 200 microns
are rated based on the typical droplet-size range they to 20 microns increases coverage by a 10-fold factor,
produce. Most — if not all — nozzle manufacturers’ but Table 4 shows that a 20-micron water drop trav-

K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing 5
els less than 1 inch before it completely evaporates Table 4. Spray droplets: evaporation and distance
in less than 1 second. traveled.1
Droplets smaller than 100 microns obtain a Droplet
horizontal trajectory in a short time and evaporate Terminal Diameter Distance
Droplet Velocity After Water Traveled
rapidly. The pesticides in these droplets become very
Diameter (feet per Evaporates from Nozzle
small aerosols, which move into the atmosphere (microns) second) (microns) (inches)
and will not fall out until picked up in falling rain.
20 0.04 7 <1
Droplets larger than 150 microns resist evapora-
50 0.25 17 3
tion to a much greater degree than smaller droplets
due to their larger volume. From these and other 100 (VF) 2
0.91 33 9
research results, we can conclude there is a rapid 150 (F) 1.70 50 16
decrease in the drift potential of droplets as their 200 (F) 2.40 67 26
diameter increases to about 150 microns. 1. Conditions assumed: temperature = 90°F,
relative humidity = 36%, spray pressure = 25 psi,
Several factors determine if a spray particle will
pesticide solution = 3.75%.
deposit on the surface of a plant. Very fine droplets
2. See Table 2 related to droplet-size classification.
(especially those smaller than 50 microns) are col-
lected efficiently by insects or by needles on conifer- Table 5. Movement of spray droplets.
ous plants, but tend to remain in the airstream and
Lateral
carried around stems and leaves of weeds. Medium Droplet Time Re- Movement
droplets applied when there is some air velocity Diameter quired to in a 3-mph
deposit more efficiently on stems and on narrow, (microns) Droplet Size Fall 10 Feet Wind
vertical leaves such as grasses, while coarse droplets 5 Fog (VF)1 66 minutes 3 miles
deposit most efficiently on large, flat surfaces, such 20 Very fine 4.2 minutes 1,100 feet
as broadleaved plants. (VF)
Review the pesticide label regarding droplet-size 100 Very fine 10 seconds 44 feet
requirements because of the reduced coverage asso- (VF)
ciated with large drops. Usually, systemic herbicides 240 Medium (M) 6 seconds 28 feet
work well with large drops. When applying con- 400 Coarse (C) 2 seconds 8.5 feet
tact-type fungicides for disease control, a smaller Extremely
drop may be needed because of the need for better 1,000 1 second 4.7 feet
coarse (XC)
coverage. The same is true for stomach-poison insec- 1. See Table 2 related to droplet size classification.
ticides and insecticides that must come into contact
with the pest. smaller droplets than herbicide applications to
obtain adequate target coverage. However, in most
A Range of Sizes cases, applying medium droplets (vs. fine or very
In reality, a range of droplet sizes is needed to fine) should provide the coverage needed while
effectively deposit pesticides on the variety of plant reducing the risk of drift.
types, sizes, and shapes encountered. The following Experimental results with foliar herbicides sug-
describes how different droplet sizes vary in their gest that droplet sizes in the range of 150 microns
effectiveness. (fine) to 400 microns (coarse) do not significantly
To control pests effectively, the actual range of differ in weed control unless application volumes are
droplet sizes depends on the specific pesticide being extremely high or low. Exceptions to this guideline
used, the kind and size of the target plant, and may exist for specific herbicides.
weather conditions. Some new nozzles are specifically
designed to reduce drift by reducing the amount of
Droplet-Size Classification
small, driftable “fines” in the spray pattern. Droplet-size information is useful for deter-
mining the correct nozzle for an application and
Insecticides and fungicides generally require
pesticide (see Droplet Chart/Selection Guide, Virginia

6 K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing
Table 6. Droplet size-classification for nozzle size and To compensate for the reduced spray volume,
pressure (example from Spraying Systems Co.). some applicators increase spray pressure from 30 to
PSI 40 psi to 50 to 60 psi. They believe small droplets
Nozzle will be driven into the crop canopy and increase
number 15 20 25 30 40 50 60
coverage. However, a large number of small drop-
XR8001 F F F F F F F
lets quickly lose their velocity and evaporate before
XR80015 M F F F F F F reaching the canopy (as shown in Table 4).
XR8002 M M F F F F F In addition, small droplets have low momentum
XR8003 M M M F F F F and insufficient energy to be driven into the canopy.
XR8004 C M M M M F F Therefore, increased pressure should not be used as
XR8005 C C M M M M F a substitute for spray volume. It is recommended to
XR8006 C C C M M M M maintain pressures less than 40 psi, and if you need
coverage, increase spray volume.
XR8008 VC VC C C M M M
Boom Sprayer Set-up
Cooperative Extension publication 442-031). How- Do not mix nozzles of different materials, types,
ever, this information is not always readily available spray angles, or spray volumes on the same spray
to the applicator. Instead, a classification system is boom. A mixture of nozzles produces uneven spray
used to define nozzle output (Table 2). Nozzle man- distribution. Fan nozzles produce a flat, oval spray
ufacturers use this standardized system to indicate pattern with tapered edges (Figure 2). Because the
the droplet size of their nozzles for different size and outer edges of the spray patterns of flat-fan nozzles
pressure combinations. have tapered or reduced volumes, nozzles must be
Product labels may specify an appropriate droplet carefully aligned to prevent interference, and at
classification recommended for the manufacturer’s the proper height, so that adjacent patterns along
products. For example, a herbicide label recommends the boom overlap for uniform coverage. Uniform
using a nozzle producing medium-size droplets. From pattern is achieved when the overlap is 50 percent to
a sample nozzle-manufacturer’s chart (Table 6), the 100 percent of the nozzle spacing (Figures 3 and 4).
applicator can select any nozzle and pressure com­ To check spray overlap, spray clean water onto a
bination with the “M” or yellow classification. This flat surface (concrete) and observe its drying pat-
system allows the applicator to use many different terns. Effective application requires avoiding skips
combinations of nozzles and pressure settings, achieve and major overlaps in the spray pattern. The fan
the desired droplet size, reduce drift, and provide nozzle is generally the best choice for the broadcast
adequate coverage required for pest control. application of pesticides because of its ability to pro-
duce a uniform pattern when correctly overlapped.
Spray Volume and Pressure Worn nozzles increase application rates and
for Foliar Herbicides change distribution patterns. The result is poor
Some applicators are reducing the spray volume pest control, crop damage, residue problems, and
of foliar herbicides. When you reduce spray volume, increased costs. A check of the boom sprayer ensures
the herbicide concentration increases to maintain each nozzle is delivering an identical volume of
the same dose of active ingredient. But as spray spray in a smooth pattern, with no heavy streams or
volume is reduced, the droplet size may decrease, blank areas. Should a nozzle become clogged, blow
and if so, this means greater drift potential. Research out the dirt with compressed air or use a soft-bris-
shows that control of some broadleaf weeds with tled brush such as a toothbrush. Wear chemical-re-
contact herbicides is usually reduced when the spray sistant gloves when handling and cleaning nozzles to
volume is reduced. However, reduced spray volumes reduce pesticide exposure. Never use a wire or nail
have little effect on weed control with most systemic as a cleaner because the orifice can be easily dam-
herbicides, as long as the chemical is applied prop- aged. Never put nozzles in your mouth. Improperly
erly at the rec­ommended rate. functioning or worn nozzles are costly.

K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing 7
 Spray Pattern Nozzle Width

5°

Boom Nozzle
Height
Patterns Do Not Intersect

Figure 3. Flat-fan nozzles angled 5 degrees from the

boom. Overlap Pattern Width
Figure 4. Nozzle overlap of 100 percent.
Most booms are arranged with 20-inch nozzle
spacing. However, 30-inch nozzle spacing may the pesticide label. If nozzle recommendations are
have several advantages. If a boom is configured not stated on the label, use Table 7 to select a nozzle
with nozzles spaced at 20 inches, operators should type best fitted to the application while considering
consider a 30-inch nozzle configuration during a the droplet size.
rebuild or retrofit. If an 80-degree nozzle spaced Step 2: Select operating conditions. Select or
at 20 inches is replaced with a 110-degree nozzle measure ground speed in miles per hour (mph).
spaced at 30 inches, these advantages may be seen: Select the desired nozzle spacing and spray volume.
• Boom height remains the same. For most broadcast applications, 30-inch spacing is
• Orifice size is increased by one-third. preferred. If the label does not recommend nozzle
spacing or spray volume, follow university and
• Drift potential is reduced.
chemical-company recommendations. Correct selec-
• Fewer nozzles to purchase and maintain. tion of a spray volume is important. It influences
• Potential to increase screen size (less clogging). several spray characteristics such as drift potential,
• Nozzle spacing matches 30-inch rows during coverage, droplet size, acres per tank, and pesticide
field spraying. efficacy.
Step 3: Calculate required nozzle discharge.
Nozzle Selection
To select a specific orifice size, the spray volume,
It is important to select a nozzle that develops nozzle spacing, and travel speed are needed for the
the desired spray pattern and spray volume. The following calculation:
nozzle’s intended use — whether for broadcast Equation 1:
application of herbicides or insecticide spraying on
row crops — determines the type of nozzle needed. Nozzle discharge (gpm) =
Examine current and future application require- (travel speed x nozzle spacing x spray volume)
ments and be prepared to have several sets of nozzles 5,940
for a variety of application needs. In general, do
where: travel speed = miles per hour
not select a nozzle that requires a nozzle screen finer
nozzle spacing = inches
than 50 mesh. Nozzles requiring 80 to 100 mesh
spray volume = gallons per acre (GPA)
screens clog too easily.
Follow the steps below to determine the correct Step 4: Consult a nozzle catalog. Once the
nozzle type and capacity needed. nozzle discharge has been determined, consult a
Step 1: Consult the label. The most important nozzle catalog for a specific nozzle number or size.
source of information is the pesticide label. Not Using the nozzle type selected from the application
only will the label specify the application rates, con- guide (Table 7), review the specification of these
trollable pests, and conditions needed to apply the nozzles in the discharge-capacity column. Several
pesticide, it often will provide information concern- consecutive nozzles may meet your needs, but select
ing the gpa, droplet classification, nozzle type, and a nozzle that operates at a low pressure and gives the
spacing as well. Follow the guidelines outlined on desired droplet classification that allows a range for

8 K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing
Table 7. Nozzle guide for spraying.
Table 7. Nozzle guide for spraying.
Broadcast Spraying Band and Direct Spraying

Extended Turbo Flood Raindrop

Range Flat Standard Drift Guard Twin Flat Flood Wide Nozzle Hollow Even Flat Twin Even Hollow Disc and
Fan Flat Fan Flat Fan Fan Angle Full Cone Wide Angle Cone Fan Flat Fan Cone Full Cone Core Cone
Herbicides

Soil-
Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Good Good
incorporated

Very Good
Pre-emerge (on low Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Good Good
pressure)

Post-
emerge Good Good Very Good Good Very Good Very Good
Contact
Post- Very Good
emerge (on low Good Very Good Very Good Good Very Good Good
Systemic pressure)

Fungicides

Contact Very Good Good Good Good Very Good

Very Good
Systemic (on low Very Good Very Good Very Good Good
pressure)

Insecticides

Contact Good Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good

Very Good
Systemic (on low Very Good Very Good Very Good Good
pressure)

fine-tuning. Remember, most nozzles only perform calibrate the spray system. Nozzle catalogs provide
well over a limited pressure range. Generally, the tables to show spray volumes for various nozzles,
greater the operating pressure, the smaller the drop- spacing, pressures, and ground speeds. Use these
lets. Smaller droplets increase drift potential. Con- tables initially to set up the sprayer, then use the
versely, larger orifices produce larger droplets. “ounce” calibration method (below) to evaluate
A linear relationship does not exist between and adjust the sprayer for accurate application. (See
nozzle pressure and flow discharge. If the discharge publication MF3174, Calibrating a Sprayer with the
rate is not found in the catalogs, calculate the oper- “Ounce” Collection Method, for more details.)
ating pressure using known catalog conditions: 1. Use Table 8 (calibration cards are available at
Equation 2: your local K-State Research and Extension
office) for distance to drive in the field. Use
(gpm1/)2
psi1 = psi2 × nozzle spacing for booms. For directed and band
gpm2
rigs, use the row spacing.
where: 1 = the desired condition
2. Set throttle for spraying and operate all equip-
2 = the known catalog specifications ment. Note seconds required to drive measured
Avoid high pressures for the nozzle used. Higher distance.
pressures increase the drift potential and put strain 3. Catch spray for the time (noted in Step 2,
on the sprayer components. Conversely, avoid above) in a container marked in ounces (a
pressures less than the recommended minimum calibrated bottle or measuring cup). If using
pressure, because spray patterns begin to distort and a boom sprayer, catch spray from one nozzle
cause poor spray uniformity. during noted time. On directed rigs, catch spray
Step 5: Calibrate the sprayer. Once the noz- from all nozzles per row for noted time.
zles are selected, purchased, installed, and flushed,

K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing 9
Table 8. Sprayer Calibration with the “Ounce” Table 9. Nozzle data and comparison of pressures
Method. and discharge.
Nozzle Nozzle Calculated from
Spacing or Spacing or Catalog Equation 2
Row Width Distance Row Width Distance Nozzle psi gpm psi gpm
(inches) (feet) (inches) (feet)
TT11003 60 0.37 64 0.38
48 85 30 136
TT11004 30 0.35 36 0.38
44 93 28 146
TT11005 20 0.35 24 0.38
40 102 24 170
TT11006 15 0.37 16 0.38
36 113 20 204
32 128 16 255
Nozzle Manufacturers
1

4. Nozzle or nozzle-group output in ounces equals Several principal spray-nozzle manufacturers

gallons per acre actually applied. supply local equipment dealers. Each manufacturer
5. Repeat for each nozzle to assure uniform distributes nozzle catalogs that can be obtained from
distribution. your local dealer or ordered from the following web-
sites (accessed: March 2013):
Nozzle Selection and Sizing Example
ABJ Agri Products: [Link]/
Suppose a postemergence herbicide is to be
broadcast at 15 GPA at a speed of 5 mph. Albuz: [Link]/en/
Step 1: Using Table 7 as a guide, the best choice is BEX Inc.: [Link]/
a Turbo TeeJet. The recommended nozzle Billericay Farm Services Ltd.: [Link]/
spacing is 30 inches. The CP Products Co.: [Link]/
Step 2: The operating conditions are provided Delavan AgSpray Products: [Link].
above. com/
Step 3: Determine the nozzle output in gpm; cal-
Greenleaf Technologies: [Link]/
culate the required nozzle discharge using
Equation 1: Hypro Global Spray Solutions: [Link].
com/
Nozzle Discharge = 5 mph × 30 inches × 15 GPA =
0.38 gpm(gpm) ÷ 5940 Hardi North America: [Link]/[Link]
Step 4: Consult a nozzle catalog. The selected nozzle Lechler Inc.: [Link]/
must have a flow discharge of 0.38 gpm Spraying Systems Co. — TeeJet Technologies: www.
when operated within the recommended [Link]/
range for the nozzle. A nozzle-performance Wilger Industries Ltd.: [Link]/
table shows the discharge rate at various
1 Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identifi-
pressures for several nozzle sizes. Table 9 cation purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism
shows that four nozzles listed in the catalog implied of similar products not mentioned.
are possible choices: TT11003, TT11004,
TT11005, or TT11006 nozzles may be
purchased for this application, but the
TT11004 gives the most flexibility with a
wide pressure range for fine-tuning.

10 K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing
References (adapted from) Choosing Drift-Reducing Nozzles. North Dakota
State University Extension Service, FS-919, July
Nozzle-Selection and Sizing. University of Nebraska-
2008; [Link]/pubs/ageng/machine/fs919.
Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agricultural and
pdf. (accessed: March 2013)
Natu­ral Resources, publication EC141, 2011;
[Link]/epublic/live/ec141/build/ec141. Strategies to Reduce Spray Drift. Kansas State Uni-
pdf (accessed: March 2013) versity Agricultural Experiment Station and Coop-
erative Extension Service, publication MF-2444,
Nozzle Types for Boom Sprayer Applications of
March 2000; [Link]/bookstore/pubs/
Crop Protection Products. Kansas State University,
[Link] (accessed: March 2013)
Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative
Extension Service, publication MF-2541, April Droplet Chart/Selection Guide. Virginia Cooperative
2002; [Link]/bookstore/pubs/[Link] Extension, publication 442-031, May 2009;
(accessed: March 2013) [Link]/442/442-031/[Link]
(accessed: March 2013)
Nozzles: Selection and Sizing. Virginia Cooperative
Extension publication 442-032, 2013. Virginia Control Your Drops. Virginia Tech Pesticide Pro-
Cooperative Extension publication. grams and Virginia Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services,
Resources October 2005;
Fine Tuning a Sprayer with the “Ounce” Cali­bration [Link]
Method. Virginia Cooperative Extension publica- program/control-your-drops (accessed: March 2013)
tion 442-453, May 2009; [Link]/442/442-
453/[Link] (accessed: March 2013) Acknowledgments
Plumbing System of Agricultural Sprayers. Virginia The authors would like to express their appre-
Cooperative Extension, publication 442-452, May ciation for the review and comments made by
2009; [Link]/442/442-452/[Link] Mike Parrish, extension agent, agriculture and
(accessed: March 2013) natural resources, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Sprayer Nozzles Selection and Calibration. University Dinwiddie County Office; Mike Weaver, extension
of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, PAT-3, specialist, Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs, Virginia
March 1996; [Link]/Ag/PAT/pat3/[Link] Tech; Robert E. Wolf, extension specialist (retired),
(accessed: March 2013) Kansas State University; and Paul Sumner, extension
specialist, University of Georgia.
Sprayer Nozzle Selection. University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension, bulletin 1158, February
2012; [Link]/applications/publications/
files/pdf/B%201158_3.PDF (accessed: March 2013)

K-State Research and Extension — Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing 11
Weight and Measures Conversions Volume
Weight 27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard
16 ounces = 1 pound = 453.6 grams 1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches = 7.48 gallons
1 gallon water = 8.34 pounds = 3.78 liters 1 gallon = 231 cubic inches

Liquid Measure 1 cubic foot = 0.028 cubic meters

1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 29.57 milliliters Common Abbreviations and Terms Used:
16 fluid ounces = 1 pint = 2 cups gpm = gallons per minute
8 pints = 4 quarts = 1 gallon gpa = gallons per acre

Length psi = pounds per square inch

3 feet = 1 yard = 91.44 centimeters mph = miles per hour

16.5 feet = 1 rod rpm = revolutions per minute

5,280 feet = 1 mile = 1.61 kilometers gph = gallons per hour

320 rods = 1 mile fpm = feet per minute

Area
9 square feet = 1 square yard
43,560 square feet = 1 acre = 160 square rods
1 acre = 0.405 hectare
640 acres = 1 square mile

Speed
88 feet per minute = 1 mph
1 mph = 1.61 km/h

Adapted with permission from Nozzles: Selection and Sizing,

[Link] Bobby Grisso, Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2013.

Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended,
nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.
Publications from Kansas State University are available at: [Link]
Publications are reviewed or revised annually by appropriate faculty to reflect current research and practice.
Date shown is that of publication or last revision.
Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case, credit
John W. Slocombe, Agricultural Spray Nozzles: Selection and Sizing, Kansas State University, March 2015.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
MF3178 March 2015
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30,
1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, John D.
Floros, Director.