Development of a Low-Cost Tractor-Mounted Boom Sprayer for Smallholder Farms

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Chemical application with knapsack sprayers is inefficient for larger farms. This project developed a low-cost tractor-mounted boom sprayer. The sprayer featured a 200-liter tank, 6-meter boom with 12 nozzles, PTO-driven diaphragm pump, and pressure regulator. Design emphasized use of locally available materials and ease of maintenance. Performance testing showed application rate of 150-300 L/ha with variation coefficient below 10% across boom width. Field capacity was 2 hectares per hour, ten times higher than knapsack spraying. Spray drift was minimized through appropriate nozzle selection and boom height control. Fabrication cost was N350,000, significantly lower than imported alternatives. The sprayer is suitable for smallholder farmers with access to tractors through hiring or cooperatives.