title: Potential external contamination of pneumatic seed drills during sowing of dressed maize seeds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of pneumatic drills in maize cultivation causes dispersion in the atmosphere of some harmful substances normally used for dressing maize seeds. Some of the dust particles may be deposited on the machine's body, becoming dangerous for the environment and for operators. The aim of the present study was to analyse the amount of dust deposited on the frame of drills during maize sowing operations. Tests were performed with different drills and in different operating conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis showed that a significant amount (up to 30%) of the tracer can be deposited on the drill body. When wind was not present, higher quantities of tracer were collected and the forward speed did not influence significantly the tracer deposit on the seed drills. The use of different devices designed to prevent dust dispersion was able to limit up to 95% but was not able to eliminate the external contamination of the drill.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The particles present on drills could become a problem for the operator during the filling of the drill. Additionally, the environment can be contaminated if pesticide remains on the drill, generating point-source pollution when the drill is parked outside. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
authors.affiliation: University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manzone
authors.affiliation: University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Balsari
authors.affiliation: University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marucco
authors.affiliation: University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tamagnone
mesh_terms: D000397:Air Pollution; D000069599:Crop Production / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004391:Dust; D012639:Seeds; D014919:Wind; D003313:Zea mays
chemical_list: D004391:Dust
keywords: dressed seeds; external contamination; maize; pneumatic drills