What is the ideal time of day for aerial application to minimize drift?

Aerial application is most effective when conducted during early morning or late afternoon, as these times typically offer more stable atmospheric conditions. During these periods, temperatures are cooler, and relative humidity is generally higher, which helps reduce air turbulence and enhance the efficacy of the application.

When applying chemicals in the heat of the day, as seen in midday applications, thermal uplifts can occur, which creates unstable air and increases the risk of drift. Drift happens when tiny droplets of sprayed material are carried away by wind currents, potentially affecting non-target areas and causing environmental harm or harm to neighboring crops.

Moreover, late evening applications may seem beneficial but can introduce other challenges such as dew formation, which can impact the performance of certain products. However, early morning and late afternoon remain the optimal windows for reducing drift due to the combination of cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and typically calmer winds.