Herbicide application in sugarcane field with straw cover, highlighting nozzle spray.

Maximize Herbicide Efficiency: Nozzle Tech for Sugarcane Straw

Lena Kashyap in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secret to effective weed control in sugarcane fields by optimizing herbicide application techniques in heavy straw conditions."

The shift towards harvesting sugarcane without burning has led to a significant increase in crop residue, or straw, left on the soil surface. While this mulch layer offers environmental benefits, it also presents challenges for weed management. The straw acts as a physical barrier, hindering herbicide contact with the soil and potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Achieving optimal herbicide deposition through sugarcane straw is crucial for effective weed control and minimizing herbicide usage. Selecting the right spray nozzle can make a significant difference in herbicide penetration and coverage.

This article explores research on how different spray nozzle types impact herbicide deposition through varying amounts of sugarcane straw. We'll break down the findings to help you choose the best nozzle for your specific field conditions, maximizing herbicide efficiency and improving weed control.

Why Nozzle Choice Matters: Herbicide Delivery Through Sugarcane Straw

Herbicide application in sugarcane field with straw cover, highlighting nozzle spray.

Research conducted at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá investigated the effectiveness of various spray nozzles in delivering herbicides through different quantities of sugarcane straw. The study evaluated eight nozzle types across seven straw densities, measuring the amount of spray solution that reached the soil surface.

The results indicated that the amount of herbicide solution reaching the soil surface decreased as the amount of straw increased. However, certain nozzle types proved more effective at penetrating the straw layer.

Anti-Drift Fan Nozzles (AD 110 02): These nozzles, designed to reduce drift, also demonstrated excellent herbicide delivery through the straw.
Air Induction Cone Nozzles (CV-IA 02): These nozzles create air-filled droplets, which proved effective in penetrating the straw layer and depositing herbicide on the soil.

The study highlighted that nozzles producing medium-sized droplets (201-400 μm) generally performed better in penetrating the straw layer compared to those producing very fine or extremely coarse droplets. Medium-sized droplets offer a balance between drift reduction and effective deposition.

Optimize Your Spray Strategy: Key Takeaways for Effective Weed Control

Selecting the right spray nozzle is critical for effective weed control in sugarcane fields with heavy straw cover. Anti-drift fan nozzles (AD 110 02) and air induction cone nozzles (CV-IA 02) have shown promise in delivering herbicides through the straw layer.

Consider the amount of straw in your fields when choosing a nozzle. As straw density increases, nozzle selection becomes even more important for ensuring adequate herbicide deposition. Monitor herbicide efficacy and adjust your spray strategy as needed to optimize weed control.

While managing sugarcane straw presents challenges, optimizing herbicide application techniques can help you overcome these hurdles and achieve effective weed control while maintaining the benefits of crop residue management.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0100-83582012000100024, Alternate LINK

Title: Quantidade De Transposição Do Líquido Pulverizado Sobre Palha De Cana-De-Açúcar Com Pontas De Pulverização Tipo Leque E Cone

Subject: Plant Science

Journal: Planta Daninha

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: R.L. Contiero, A.C. Francischini, G. Santos, A. Ruver, C Curione

Published: 2012-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why does sugarcane straw left in the field create challenges for weed control?

Leaving sugarcane straw in the field after harvest creates a physical barrier that prevents herbicides from reaching the soil and controlling weeds effectively. This mulch layer, while beneficial for soil health, intercepts the herbicide spray, reducing the amount that reaches the target weeds. Understanding how to overcome this barrier is essential for maintaining effective weed control and preventing yield loss.

Which spray nozzle types are most effective for delivering herbicides through sugarcane straw?

Anti-Drift Fan Nozzles (AD 110 02) and Air Induction Cone Nozzles (CV-IA 02) are particularly effective. Anti-Drift Fan Nozzles (AD 110 02) are designed to minimize drift, while Air Induction Cone Nozzles (CV-IA 02) produce air-filled droplets that can penetrate the straw layer more effectively, ensuring the herbicide reaches the soil surface. The best choice depends on the specific straw density and environmental conditions.

Why is droplet size important when spraying herbicides in sugarcane fields with heavy straw?

Droplet size is important because medium-sized droplets (201-400 μm) offer a balance between minimizing drift and ensuring effective penetration through the sugarcane straw. Very fine droplets are prone to drift and may not reach the soil surface, while extremely coarse droplets may not provide adequate coverage of the weeds. Using medium-sized droplets helps optimize herbicide deposition and weed control.

What is herbicide deposition, and why is it important in sugarcane fields with straw cover?

Herbicide deposition refers to the amount of herbicide solution that successfully reaches the soil surface through the sugarcane straw. Effective deposition is essential for ensuring that the herbicide can target and control weeds. Factors like nozzle type, droplet size, and straw density can significantly impact herbicide deposition, affecting the overall effectiveness of weed control efforts. Maximizing deposition ensures that the herbicide is used efficiently, reducing waste and environmental impact.

What are the broader implications of this research for sugarcane farmers managing weeds in fields with heavy straw, and what further research could be done?

The research highlights the critical need to adapt herbicide application techniques to address the challenges posed by sugarcane straw. Without optimizing nozzle selection and spray parameters, the effectiveness of herbicides can be significantly reduced, leading to increased weed pressure and potential crop yield losses. Understanding these implications allows for more informed decision-making in weed management strategies, ensuring sustainable and efficient sugarcane production. Future research could explore the combination of different nozzles or adjuvants to further enhance herbicide performance in heavy straw conditions. It’s also relevant to investigate how these findings translate to different sugarcane varieties and straw management practices.