The calcium fertilization of strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) was evaluated using two types of nozzles, with two liquid pressure levels and two driving speeds. The calcium content of the leaves and fruit were analyzed via flame photometry. Higher leaf calcium content was found in plots sprayed with standard nozzles, while higher fruit calcium content was observed for those sprayed with air induction nozzles. The fruit quality was assessed by determining the basic physical and mechanical properties, using uniaxial compression tests integrated with surface pressure measurements. Different spraying techniques influenced the mechanical resistance of the fruit. A spraying speed of 5 km/h and an operating pressure of 0.4 MPa significantly increased the firmness of the fruit by ~66%, the critical load level by 36%, and the maximum surface pressure by up to 38%, but did not increase the geometrical parameters of the strawberries. Regular foliar feeding during harvest could improve the mechanical strength of strawberries. An appropriate spraying technique with a calcium agent could effectively improve the mechanical properties of the delicate fruit, which is particularly important for limiting losses during harvesting, transportation, and storage.

The purpose of the research was to determine the influence of selected factors on the average degree of coverage and uniformity of liquid spray coverage using selected single and dual flat fan nozzles. The impact of nozzle type, spray pressure, driving speed, and spray angle on the average degree of coverage and coverage unevenness coefficient were studied. The research was conducted with special spray track machinery designed and constructed to control and change the boom height, spray angle, driving speed, and spray pressure. Based on the research results, it was found that the highest average coverage was obtained for single standard flat fan nozzles and dual anti-drift flat fan nozzles. At the same time, the highest values of unevenness were observed for these nozzles. Inverse relationships were obtained for air-induction nozzles. Maximization of coverage with simultaneous minimization of unevenness can be achieved by using a medium droplet size for single flat fan nozzles (volume median diameter (VMD) = 300 μm) and coarse droplet size for dual flat fan nozzles (VMD = 352 μm), with low driving speed (respectively 1.1 m∙s⁻¹ and 1.6 m∙s⁻¹) and angling of the nozzle by 20° in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.

Improving application efficiency is crucial for both the economic and environmental aspects of plant protection. Mathematical models can help in understanding the relationships between spray application parameters and efficiency, and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The effect of nozzle type, spray pressure, driving speed and spray angle on spray coverage on an artificial plant was studied. Artificial intelligence techniques were used for modeling and the optimization of application process efficiency. The experiments showed a significant effect of droplet size on the percent area coverage of the sprayed surfaces. A high value of the vertical transverse approach surface coverage results from coarse droplets, high driving speed, and nozzles angled forward. Increasing the vertical transverse leaving surface coverage, as well as the coverage of the sum of all sprayed surfaces, requires fine droplets, low driving speed, and nozzles angled backwards. The maximum coverage of the upper level surface is obtained with coarse droplets, low driving speed, and a spray angle perpendicular to the direction of movement. The choice of appropriate nozzle type and spray pressure is an important aspect of chemical crop protection. Higher upper level surface coverage is obtained when single flat fan nozzles are used, while twin nozzles produce better coverage of vertical surfaces. Adequate neural models and evolutionary algorithms can be used for pesticide application process efficiency optimization.

The spraying procedure is one of the most difficult operations in agricultural production. Achieving the desired effectiveness of the procedure is dependent on obtaining an appropriate level and uniformity of liquid distribution. The aim of this paper was to present a liquid decomposition model generated on the basis of experimental data. The tests were carried out on a test stand, which consisted of a container with nozzles and a grooved table. The experiments were carried out with the use of selected standard, anti-drift, and air-induction single-stream nozzles at constant liquid pressure. The optimization process was carried out in Microsoft Excel Solver. Furthermore, in order to compare the data generated by the model with the data from the virtual boom, we applied an analysis of correlation and linear regression in the Statistica 13.1 software. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the model is a good fit to the experimental data (R² > 0.95). The model, which was generated on the basis of experimental data, will facilitate control of the operation and degree of wear of nozzles, which will contribute to ensuring uniform spraying.

The study presents the results of the correlation and regression of the deposition of liquid and the degree of coverage of sprayed objects. Preliminary experiments were conducted in terms of droplet size depending on liquid pressure and nozzle type. Studies on the degree of coverage and deposition of spray liquid were then carried out. The test stand consisted of a carrier of nozzles and artificial plants. Samplers were attached to the artificial plants to obtain vertical and horizontal surfaces. Water-sensitive paper and filter papers were sampled (for measurements of the degree of coverage and deposition of liquid, respectively). The results of these studies showed strong and very strong Pearson’s correlation coefficients between the analyzed indicators (degree of coverage and deposition of liquid), from 0.9143 to 0.9815. Furthermore, high values of the coefficient of determination (R² > 0.85) were obtained for linear regression. The high R² values indicate a good match of the regression model to empirical data.

One of the methods used to improve the durability of blueberry fruits is the application of nutrients through foliar feeding with calcium, which can improve the post-harvest mechanical parameters. This study proposed an optimal selection of calcium spray parameters, which enables a rational minimisation of the negative impact of agrochemicals in the environment. The qualitative evaluation of blueberry fruit showed lime spraying induces a significant effect on the increase in fruit size, especially at a pressure of 0.2 MPa and with AIXR nozzles compared to the control group. To assess the mechanical properties, a modern method of identifying the actual loads and maximum surface pressures generated by the picker during harvesting is presented. Compression and fruit rupture tests were also used to determine the pressure values and forces that are considered safe from the perspective of harvest quality. The comparative analysis of destructive compression and detachment tests confirmed that fruit firmness (Fp) was approximately 80% higher than the detachment force (Fpf), with peak pressures more than twice as high, suggesting that handpicking poses minimal risk of mechanical damage. The implementation of optimal spraying techniques combined with the correct assessment of the mechanical properties of fruits is important in agricultural practice, where it is crucial to obtain high-quality blueberries after harvest.