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Atmospheric Effects on Fate of Aerially Applied Sprays By Bradley K Fritz Contact: Bradley K Fritz email: bfritz@apmru.usda.gov Summary: Drift from aerial application of crop protection materials is influenced by many factors, both controllable (i.e. boom length, nozzle type and orientation, spray pressure and other material and release parameters) and uncontrollable (i.e. ambient wind speed and direction, atmospheric stability, and other meteorological parameters) all of which much be considered and adjusted for by the aerial applicator to minimize potential drift. Drift of aerially applied sprays is a function of atmospheric dispersion which is accomplished through gravitational settling of droplets, downwind transport by mean winds, aircraft wake turbulence, and turbulent mixing. This work examines the influence of atmospheric stability (turbulence) on the drift of aerially applied sprays. A series of field trials measured ground deposition and airborne concentrations multiple downwind of an aerial spray flight line. The results of this study are presented to help applicators make informed decisions resulting in applications of crop protection materials with maximum on-target deposition and minimal off-target drift.
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