Influence of Sprayer Nozzle Type on the Effectiveness of Weed Control and Potato Yield

A three-year field study (2018–2020) was conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Zawady, University of Siedlce, to assess the influence of sprayer nozzle type on weed control effica- cy and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) yield. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications, on slightly acidic soil classified as very good rye complex. Two experimental factors were evaluated: (1) edible potato cultivars (‘Jurek’ and ‘Finezja’) and (2) herbicide application methods using different nozzle types. The following treatments were included: (1) control – mechanical cultivation (four hilling operations combined with pre-emergence harrowing and one post-emergence hilling); (2) herbicide application with AP12003 flat-fan nozzles; (3) herbicide application with HCI8003 hollow-cone nozzles; and (4) herbicide application with Hypro 3D nozzles FC-3D100-03. Spraying in all chemical treatments was performed at 4 bar pressure with a flow rate of 1.39 L min⁻¹. The study demonstrated that herbicide application using hollow-cone nozzles resulted in the highest potato yield, significantly exceeding that of the control treatment. Furthermore, the highest weed control efficacy was achieved with the hollow-cone nozzles. The findings underscore the critical role of appropriate nozzle selection in enhancing herbicide performance, reducing weed infestation, and improving potato productivity.