Innovative spray system reduces pesticide drift from California almond orchards - Land-Grant Impacts

almonds growing on a tree

Innovative spray system reduces pesticide drift from California almond orchards

Agricultural Systems, Story 2024, California, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Pest Management, University of California, Western

Pesticide drift from farm fields and orchards can pose a health risk to people working and living nearby. These chemicals can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation and other harmful effects.

To reduce the risk of pesticide drift, University of California Cooperative Extension developed an innovative spray backstop system for almond orchards. Combining engineering, agriculture and environmental science expertise, the scientists designed the system to be both user-friendly and effective in reducing pesticide drift. The shade structure creates a barrier covering the trees from the top, blocking the upward movement of pesticide droplets and reducing the potential for drift.

The spray backstop system maintained the pesticide coverage needed for optimal almond growth and yield while successfully reducing drift by 78%. Confining pesticides to the orchard will improve air quality for the community and working conditions for farmworkers.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by state and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds.

Related Posts

tractor with a mechanical mower mowing grass on the side of the asphalt road

Autonomous machine systems to increase productivity, efficiency of crop production

Purdue University in Indiana is leading an autonomous machinery project to enhance productivity, efficiency and elevate profitability by alleviating labor workload. Autonomous machines can capture [...]

Dogs can be lifesavers for livestock

Like guardian angels, guardian dogs can be lifesavers for livestock. Increasing conflicts between livestock and predatory wildlife have prompted ranchers to seek effective and [...]

grandfather and grandchildren watering a garden

Arkansas grandparents grow relationship with grandchildren through gardening

An increasing number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Cooperative Extension Program is developing ways to support them [...]

a group of smiling students

Education opportunities elevate agriculture issues and importance

Reaching youths and students early increases awareness of the importance of agriculture and the critical issues impacting producers. Land-grant universities are creating solutions to [...]

drone flying overhead

Researchers develop learning approach for drone-based surveillance, scouting

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) aid farmers in crop disease management, field scouting and pesticide applications. UAS has the unique ability to gather aerial imagery [...]

two scientists smile next to samples of dairy byproducts

Upcycling a problematic food waste offers a safe food additive and new market for farmers

Acid whey, a byproduct of Greek yogurt, is a major contributor to food waste and can have a negative environmental impact if not properly [...]

a student writes in a notebook

Illinois Extension program prepares youths for the real world

Young people often don’t have a grasp of how much money it takes to cover necessities like food and bills. At a time when [...]

black woman farmer examines a squash plant

BIPOC farmers lead by example

Black, Indigenous and other people of color in farming often lack opportunities and face barriers to institutional resources typically available to White farmers. Approximately [...]

Poinsettias in a greenhouse

Plant diagnostics saves Florida poinsettia producers

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences helped save a grower $350,000 crop thanks to a weekly plant diagnostic clinic. In 2019, [...]

a person watching the "Field Crops Virtual Breakfast" on a laptop

Virtual education programs reach clientele where they live

Since 2020, virtual education has increasingly helped land-grant university research and Extension programs be more available to clientele where they live. These virtual programs [...]