In terms of aerial application, what does the term 'overlapping' refer to?

The term 'overlapping' in the context of aerial application specifically refers to the extent of coverage from adjacent swathes. Aerial application involves spraying pesticides, fertilizers, or seeds over agricultural fields using aircraft, and to ensure complete coverage and effectiveness of the application, the swathes—the paths that the aircraft covers during flight—often need to overlap. This overlap is crucial for minimizing gaps in coverage and ensuring that all target areas receive the necessary treatment.

For instance, if two swathes of application are adjacent but do not overlap sufficiently, there may be untreated strips of land, which can lead to reduced effectiveness of the application and potentially impact crop health or pest management. This concept is vital for achieving uniform application rates and maximizing the efficacy of the materials being applied.

The other options, while related to aerial operations, do not accurately capture the meaning of 'overlapping' as it pertains to coverage and effectiveness in aerial application.