Dhanbad: A groundbreaking research initiative at the Indian Institute of Technology-Indian School of Mines, (IIT-ISM) is leading the way in reducing pesticide use in agriculture, aiming to strike a balance between effective pest control and minimizing environmental harm.
Pesticides play a vital role in protecting crops from pests, especially in fields, greenhouses, and gardens. However, their toxic nature can pose serious risks to human and animal health, contaminating water sources and harming surrounding ecosystems. With these concerns in mind, a new study led by Prof. Deepak Kumar Mandal from IIT (ISM)’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is addressing the challenge of reducing pesticide use while improving their efficiency.
The study, titled “Impact of Pesticide Drops on a Leaf: Minimization of Pesticide Use through the Study of Spread,” was initiated in 2022 and is funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) with a grant of Rs 33,94,640. The project aims to optimize pesticide application by examining how pesticide droplets behave upon impact and spread on crop surfaces.
Key Findings:
Research reveals that pesticides are commonly applied in liquid form, either as a solution or emulsion. When larger drops of pesticide come into contact with a surface, they break up into smaller droplets, which are more effective in covering the leaf area. Prof. Mandal explains, “Larger drops, when impacting a mesh, atomize into smaller droplets, leading to more efficient spread on the leaf. The better the atomization and spread, the less pesticide is needed.”
Optimizing Application Techniques:
The research identifies several key factors for optimizing pesticide application:
Mesh Design & Droplet Size: A mesh with smaller openings promotes optimal atomization of pesticide droplets.
Impact Height: Droplets falling from greater heights atomize more effectively, reducing waste.
Spread and Evaporation: The study also explores the behaviour of pesticide solutions on leaves, including their evaporation rate and distribution pattern.
Environmental and Economic Impact:
The anticipated outcome of this research is a significant reduction in pesticide quantities used, which will lead to both environmental and economic benefits. Key beneficiaries include:
Farmers: Reduced pesticide consumption will lead to cost savings while enhancing pest control.
The Environment: Decreased pesticide runoff will reduce contamination of soil and water bodies, contributing to safer ecosystems.
This innovative research at IIT (ISM) marks a significant step toward sustainable agricultural practices, aligning effective pest control with minimal environmental impact. By refining pesticide application methods, the study promises to revolutionize farming practices, safeguard human health, and protect the environment for future generations.
