An apparatus, method and system for applying a biologically active or
chemical substance to a relatively large volume harvested or
pre-harvested crop includes relatively small container of a mixture
biologically active or chemical substance and water in fluid
communication with fluid conduit. A pump moves mixture from the bottle
through the conduit. A source of pressurized air is in fluid
communication with the conduit to aerate the mixture. The aerated mixture
is expelled through a nozzle at distal end of the conduit. In one aspect,
the controller can monitor speed of the pump by monitoring operating
voltage of the pump. Speed of the pump can be adjusted to adjust
application rate. In one aspect, a process combines a flow of air through
an orifice with the metering of a low volume of additive, such as an aid
to preservation, to a crop as it is being cut or harvested to provide for
even distribution of the additive to the crop.