What is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of an aerial application?

Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of an aerial application due to their direct impact on the behavior of pesticides in the environment. Factors such as wind speed, temperature, humidity, and precipitation can influence how and where a pesticide is applied.

For instance, high winds can cause drift, where the pesticide moves away from the intended target area, potentially harming non-target plants and animals or reducing the effectiveness of the application. Temperature and humidity also affect the evaporation rate and breakdown of the pesticide, which can lead to reduced efficacy. Additionally, rainfall shortly after application can wash away the pesticide before it has the opportunity to act on the target pest or weed.

While pesticide cost, aircraft maintenance, and operator experience are important considerations in aerial application operations, they do not directly affect how well the pesticide performs in the environment as weather conditions do. Understanding and properly assessing weather conditions can significantly enhance the success of the aerial application, allowing for effective pest control and minimal environmental impact.