Digital twin of spray applications in orchards with computational fluid dynamics

This PhD project aims to investigate how precision spraying technology in the growing area of pear cultivation in Flanders (more than 10,000 ha, more than 800 growers) can contribute to the objective of a 50% reduction in the use and impact of plant protection products in orchards by 2030. Both technical and cultivation aspects are covered in this project. The distribution and drift of sprays are increasingly studied with mathematical models and computer simulations, which are an essential complement to laboratory and field tests. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful modeling technique for computing these complex three-dimensional fluid problems. With CFD, the air flow and the spread and deposition of the spray mist in orchards can be simulated in a very realistic way on a computer. The CFD model can be used to evaluate the performance and design of the spray application to arrive at increased spray efficiency and reduced drift potential. Eventually a software tool can be developed that provides interpolated results based on a drift database generated by CFD simulations, data analysis programs and condition inputs through graphical user interfaces. Such a simulation tool enables the users to estimate the target deposition, spray drift and soil losses of pesticides in order to avoid possible risks of spray drift.