The Pros & Cons of Aerial Application – Tips with Tom #10

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About Jason Deveau (Spray_Guy)

Dr. Jason Deveau (@spray_guy) has been the OMAFRA Application Technology Specialist since '08. He researches and teaches methods to improve the safe, effective and efficient application of agricultural sprays in specialty crops, field crops and controlled environments. He is the co-administrator of Sprayers101, co-author of the Airblast101 Textbook, a slow cyclist and an even slower runner.

See all posts by Jason Deveau (Spray_Guy).

Hiring an aerial applicator means fewer tracks in the crop and often a quicker spray application, but spray planes are not miraculous, says Tom Wolf. In fact, they deal with a lot of the same challenges as their well-grounded counterparts.

In this last installment of his 10 part series, Tom answers some of the most common questions around aerial applications, including:

  • “Does the aircraft wing generate a downforce that forces spray droplets into the canopy?”
  • “Is it thus that aerial spray applicators can apply such low water volumes?”
  • “Is it worth paying extra for a custom application from above?”

In addressing these questions, Tom corrects a few agricultural myths, provides tips for determining which method is better for your operation and emphasizes the importance of communication.