WHY SWATH TESTING IS CRUCIAL FOR EFFECTIVE DRONE SPRAYING

Swath testing involves evaluating your spray application pattern for width and consistency. It is essential for achieving an even and thorough application of agricultural crop inputs. By doing this, you can determine the optimal distance between each pass of your spray drone.  

Conducting swath tests can help an operator prevent the risk of making in-field operational errors like streaking or skips in application coverage. Streaking or skips can often lead to ineffective treatment and wasted resources.  

Ensuring a consistent spray pattern is key to maintaining the accuracy, quality, and efficiency of the work. Ultimately, swath testing helps an operator provide better results for their customers.  

“I recall a spray job on some beans during the middle of the season. We had been using the same settings for months with great results, but suddenly, we experienced significant streaking,” shares Jake Masters, Market Manager, Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest Hubs. “This was the first time we used a chemical blend that included crop oil, which was much lighter and affected our spray pattern. Swath testing helped us identify and correct the issue, leading to a successful application.” 

When conducting swath tests, several factors need to be considered, including height, droplet size, speed, and chemical density. Each of these elements can affect the outcome of your spray pattern and must be carefully calibrated. 

To conduct swath tests, we often use a dye in the spray and apply it over a roll of receipt paper stretched over a board that gets analyzed by the Swath Gobbler tool. This tool is excellent for visualizing the spray pattern. Alternatively, water-sensitive paper or drywall paper can be used for a visual inspection. A useful tip in the field can be flying over a dry dirt or gravel road and spraying water. You won’t get all the details you can get with water-sensitive paper, but it’s good for a spot check in the field. 

Typically, swath testing is performed at the beginning of the spraying season or during the off-season. However, it may be necessary to conduct testing during the season if you notice problems with your spray pattern. You may also want to conduct additional tests if you switch to a chemical with a different density, such as crop oil. This ensures that your settings are always optimized for the specific chemical you are using. Regular testing helps identify and correct issues before they become significant problems.  

Weather conditions such as wind, temperature, and rain can significantly impact swath testing and the overall spraying process. Wind can cause drift, leading to skips or off-target damage. High temperatures can cause fine droplets to evaporate before reaching the target. Unexpected rain can affect coverage if it hits the water-sensitive paper and gives us false results. It’s important to keep these potential factors in mind when not only testing but during spray applications as well.  

One common challenge during swath testing is the drone's prop wash blowing everything around. Securing everything to the ground can help mitigate this issue. Sometimes, results may not make sense, requiring repeated tests to ensure consistency. Persistence and adaptation are key to overcoming these challenges. 

“Swath test anytime you set up a new drone. This will allow you to work out the kinks and make sure all equipment is functioning properly,” explains Eric Ringer, Chief Field Operations Officer.  

“My advice is to remain adaptable,” notes Jake Masters. “I sprayed for one and a half seasons using the same settings, but eventually, we started seeing issues. Adapting to new conditions and continuously testing your settings is essential for success.” 

“Calibrate your pumps before doing any testing. This makes sure your drone is functioning properly and that your overall coverage isn't negatively impacted,” shares Ethan Noll, Western Corn Belt Hub Lead.