During what time of day is it generally best to make an aerial application when droplet evaporation is a concern?

Making an aerial application during the early morning is generally the best choice when droplet evaporation is a concern. This time of day typically features cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels compared to midday and afternoon hours. Cooler air can slow down the rate of evaporation, allowing applied droplets to remain on the target surface longer and increasing the effectiveness of the application. Additionally, higher humidity levels help maintain droplet size and reduce evaporation, leading to better coverage and more consistent results.

During midday, temperatures are generally at their highest, which can accelerate evaporation and decrease the effectiveness of the application. Late afternoon may provide slightly cooler temperatures but can still have higher evaporation rates than early morning. Evening applications offer a reprieve from harsh sunlight but may not be ideal as temperatures can still be warm, and there may be reduced air mixing, which can affect the distribution of the material being applied. Therefore, the early morning presents the most favorable conditions for minimizing droplet evaporation during aerial applications.