Verifica funzionale e taratura delle irroratrici in Lombardia: analisi della situazione a tre anni dell’inizio del servizio

The used sprayers check and setting up have been already activated in several italian regions from time. Also in Lombardy this activity is at present fully running, thanks to the 17 accredited test Centres. After 3 years from the beginning of the activity, is now possible to point out the situation, in order to have a look on the sprayers fleet condition and therefore to get an idea on the spraying operations quality. Through a dedicated software, the test results are introduced in a specific report: the document includes the technical characteristics of the sprayer and the coupled tractor, the wear condition of the main components and their performance. By collecting and managing the data (already loaded in an electronic format), it was then possible to examine the sprayers under different points of view: machine type, amount of sprayed surface, users characteristics, treated crops, etc.). The goal was to highlight possible criticisms, potentially dangerous for the environment, the operators and the final food consumers (in relation to the presence of residues). A specifically drafted questionnaire was also distributed to the accredited Centre,s to draw supplementary informations on the most frequent maintenance and repairing operations carried out. The sprayers condition is rather poor: old machines, with no or bad maintenance have been frequently found. On the sprayer booms, nozzles, manometers and booms mechanical integrity showed the most critical conditions; viceversa, on the vineyard and orchrd sprayers, pumps, pipes and distribution valves were the components needing the most frequent repairing. The check, the careful general maintenance and the setting up of the machines are the key to improve the spraying quality, with remarkable benefits on the environment, the operator’s health and the food safety.