Impact of Application Rate and Spray Nozzle on Droplet Distribution on Watermelon Crops Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The authors conducted a study to evaluate the impact of operational parameters on the distribution of drops using an unmanned aerial vehicle in watermelon cultivation. A number of studies have been conducted on the operational parameters of UAVs. Hovereve, in this study the main focus is nozzle flow rate and nozzle type rather than the flight operational parameters( Speed, Flight height). Thus the following suggestions are given to revise the the manucript.
1. Modified the topic in consideration of the independent variables.
2. There is no mention of the flight height during the test. so mentioned the flight height as the flight height affects the spray efficiency.
3. As there is a variation in the speed of the UAV, how we can compare the results? There should be an optimum flight height and speed so that the results can be compared.
4. Comparing tables 2 and 7, it is clear a huge amount of spray loss. the authors did not consider this. So please add the reasons for that why this amount of spray los is there.
The manuscript is well written. however, minor spell mistakes can improve.
Author Response
As chances foram feitas e apresentadas no documento anexo.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript submitted by Ribeiro and Vitória , Describes the Impact of operational parameters on the distribution of drops using an unmanned aerial vehicle in the watermelon cultivation. Such research is important to optimize and enhance the performance efficiency of agricultural implements. However, I have found some issues as follows that need to be addressed and corrected.
-The reference writing method should be modified according to the format of the journal.
-The results have not been compared with previous research.
- There are errors in the text of the article that should be corrected.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
All suggestions fave been duly accepted and adjusted (see attachement)
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
This manuscript discusses the application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the spraying of watermelons. This is a novel application that appears to have not been previously studied by researchers in watermelon fields. Major Revision should be made before the manuscript is considered for publication.
1、 Although there is limited research conducted in watermelons, the experimental design of this study lacks innovativeness as it only tests three dosage levels and two nozzles, which is a conventional approach. Apart from these factors, pesticide properties, adjuvants, crop growth conditions, and other factors can also influence droplet deposition. The research method is not innovative.
2、 Lines 143-148, flight parameters are also important factors influencing droplet deposition. Therefore, a detailed testing plan for determining the optimal flight parameters should be provided.
3、 For the measurement of droplet deposition, the more commonly used and accurate method is to use fluorescent tracers and spectrophotometry. Water Sensitive Paper (WSP) is not commonly used for droplet deposition measurement and has lower accuracy compared to tracer methods.
4、 The deposition effects of 12 and 16.0 L ha-1 do not show significant statistical differences, but this does not mean that their depositions are equal. Numerically, the deposition of the two dosage levels is different.
5、 In some tables, certain rows have lowercase letters indicating significance, while others do not.
Author Response
Obrigado por reservar um tempo para ler o manuscrito. As observações foram devidamente comentadas (ver anexo).
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
The study was conducted by analyzing the influence of different nozzle models and application amounts on the spray distribution of watermelon droplets. Overall, the study is complete and clear and has certain research value. Proposed manuscript acceptance
Author Response
Dear
The authors are grateful and acknowledge the need for adjustiments to the manuscript. The comments have been revised and adapted in the manuscript.
Thank you.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
