A Real-time Web Tool for Safe Aerial Application to Avoid Off-target Movement of Spray Induced by Stable Atmospheric Conditions in the Mississippi Delta

Abstract

Abstract. Susceptible crops can be injured far downwind if proper application spray procedure is not followed. Avoidance of stable atmospheric conditions while spraying is important to prevent surface temperature inversion-induced off-target drift of crop protection materials. Our previous studies consistently indicated high likelihood (>90%) of stable atmospheric conditions (unfavorable for spraying) primarily between the hours of 6:00 pm and 6:00 am during clear conditions in the hot summer months at the Mississippi Delta. With the requirement of timely farm operations, a web application has been developed to provide real-time determination of atmospheric stability and to recommend whether aerial applications are appropriate for a particular location and time. An algorithm was developed to determine atmospheric conditions likely for occurrence of a temperature inversion. This algorithm was programmed using the Python programming language and uploaded to an internet-cloud application platform for publication via HTML. The algorithm calculates the potential of a temperature inversion every hour based on air temperature and wind speed data measured at weather stations deployed over the Mississippi Delta and surrounding areas. The web application is adapted for mobile terminals, such as smartphones and tablets, and can provide timely guidance for aerial applicators and producers to avoid crop damage and air quality issues long distances downwind. Keywords: Aerial application, Spray drift, Temperature inversion, Atmospheric stability, Crop protection, Web application, Mobile terminal.