Application with a drone
In some parts of the world, it is difficult to carry out machine application, because the distances are large or the construction of the greenhouse itself is not suitable for a machine. For these areas, the use of drones are a good alternative. All coatings from ReduSystems lend themselves to be sprayed with a drone. However, the dilution might be different than with other types of application. The mixing ratio and duration of application depend on the type of drone and product.
There are two main types of spraying drones: drones with nozzles, and drones with a rotating disk. With a rotating disk, you can change (size of the drops) the settings during flight.
High accuracy
The number of kilos remains the same as with other application methods, but less water is needed to apply it. Application with a drone is also a lot safer, while the result may be better and more accurate.
Weather conditions affect quality
- Apply the coating to a clean and dry greenhouse cover to obtain the best wear resistance.
- Pay special attention in case of new plastic. The oil layer must be removed, otherwise the coating will not adhere properly.
- Apply the coating during dry weather with relative humidity < 80% on a dry greenhouse. A wet greenhouse cover dilutes the layer. Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
- Do not apply during rain or when rain is forecast over the short-term (within 12 hours). Rain damages a coating that has not yet totally dried.
- Apply at a temperature between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius (5 and 25 degrees Celsius for ReduSol and ReduClean). Otherwise the drying time will be too long and the coating will be wet during the night and may become damaged due to condensation.
- Do not apply when windy (max. 7 km/hour). The layer may become too thin and overspray may occur.
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Calculate the total required quantity of water and coating. Approx 600 - 800 litres of spraying solution per hectare is required (total of water + ReduSystems product).
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Fill a mixing tank of sufficient capacity with clean water.
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Pour the selected number of buckets of ReduSystems product into the mixing tank with water.
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Mix the spraying solution with sufficient force to create a homogeneous solution. Check that there is no remaining concentrate at the bottom.
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Apply the solution evenly on the greenhouse cover.
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Only spray when weather conditions are right.
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Adjust the droplet size to weather conditions. By adjusting the nozzle, or the speed of rotation of the disc.
- For applying ReduClean, a lower dilution is needed to get the full greenhouse cleaned properly.
- Determine the quantity of water and ReduClean and follow the same preparation instructions used for mixing the coating.
- Make sure the drainage is suitable for draining water to open water. Ensure that the outlet is opened before application. Prevent water from entering or being held in a storage or basin.
- Apply the solution evenly on a dry greenhouse cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes before brushing it off. A strong rain shower within one week will also wash off the coating.
- Ensure that the coating is entirely moistened. The coating on missed sections will not be removed.
- To avoid temporary white discolouration do not discharge rinsing water to stagnant waters; install the drainage system below the water surface; and discharge the rinsing water to a large moving bodies of water with sufficient capacity, where allowed.
- If you discharge ReduSystems products into the reservoir, check the water’s usability afterwards, particularly the pH.
ReduSystems products control the light entering the greenhouse. This benefits production and quality. The desired effect is highly dependent on the thickness of the coating layer. In other words, the number of buckets product per hectare, or kilos per product is leading. Not the amount of spraying liquid.
We determine the optimal thickness on the basis of studies and we are constantly learning from actual practice. This means that our recommendation to use a specific number of buckets per hectare is well founded. The use of more or less buckets (or loss of product due to improper application) has adverse effects. Using fewer buckets than recommended reduces the intended effect on your crops. A shading product consequently might shade too little radiation or heat. Furthermore, low concentrations reduce the layer’s wear-resistance. When too many buckets are used the effect is reversed; in this case, you could lose too much growlight and thus compromise production or quality.
For every crop and situation in the world, the ReduWizard app on our website provides recommendations about the ideal product and the right quantities to be used.
Safety
In most countries, you need to get approval from aviation authorities to fly a drone. Check your local legislation.
- Provide a safe take-off and landing site.
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You need to be at altitude so you can see the drone flying over the greenhouse.
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For optimal safety, we recommend that no one is in the greenhouse during an application.
