What is the best time for making an aerial application of a liquid when droplet evaporation is a concern?

The best time for making an aerial application of a liquid when droplet evaporation is a concern is early morning. During this time, temperatures are typically cooler, and humidity levels are usually higher, which significantly reduces the rate of evaporation. The air is often more stable in the morning, allowing for better droplet deposition on the target area.

This decrease in temperature and increase in humidity help keep the droplets intact longer, ensuring they reach their intended target instead of evaporating in the air. Aerial applications made during early morning hours maximize the effectiveness of the application, as the environmental conditions are more favorable for maintaining moisture in the droplets.

In contrast, midday and late afternoon are often characterized by higher temperatures and lower humidity, leading to increased evaporation of the droplets before they can effectively settle on the crops or target areas. Evening may also present challenges, as winds can pick up or temperatures might still be declining, which may not be ideal for ensuring effective application either. Thus, early morning is the optimal choice for minimizing evaporation concerns during aerial applications.