WOLF EMPHASIZES THAT air-induction nozzles lose their advantages if operated at the wrong pressure. Earlier-generation air-induction nozzles — what he calls Group I — that include TurboDrop XL from Greenleaf Technologies, AI from Spraying Systems, Ultra-Lo-Drift from Precision/Lurmark and Raindrop Ultra from Delavan, should be operated at 60-80 psi, according to Wolf.

Later-generation air-induction nozzles — what he calls Group II — that include AIXR from Spraying Systems and Guardian Air from Hypro should be operated at 40 psi, according to Wolf. He also includes the AirMix air-induction nozzle from Greenleaf Technologies in Group II, even though the AirMix was introduced about the time the Group I nozzles were introduced, according to Wolf.

Group II nozzles provide better coverage than the Group I nozzles, he says. However, while Group II nozzles have less drift potential than turbo chamber and extended range nozzles, they don't reduce drift potential as much as the earlier-generation Group I air-induction nozzles, he adds.

Wolf emphasizes the importance of matching appropriate pressure with the type of nozzle you're using for optimum coverage while minimizing drift. Spray effectiveness and drift management are the two key issues in choosing nozzles, Klein says.

“These new (air-induction) nozzles are a little bit higher priced, but to me, that's the business end of the sprayer,” Klein adds. With the various combinations of pre-orifice and exit orifice sizes in these new nozzles, he says, “you can do anything you want to” with them to achieve a balance between droplet sizes large enough to resist drift but small enough to give good plant coverage.