Web-Based Real-Time Determination of Atmospheric Stability for Recommending Timing of Aerial Applications in the Mississippi Delta

Abstract.

Avoidance of stable atmospheric conditions while spraying is important to prevent off-target movement of crop protection materials. Susceptible crops can be injured far downwind if proper application procedure is not followed. In previous studies, data obtained at 5-minute, 15-minute, and hourly intervals 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 latitudes. With the requirement of timely farm operations, a web application has been developed to provide real-time determination of temperature inversions and recommendation of whether aerial applications are appropriate for a particular location Computing logic was designed to determine atmospheric conditions likely for a temperature inversion. This computing logic was programmed using the Python programming language and uploaded to an internet-cloud application platform for publication via HTML. This web application can provide timely guidance for aerial applicators and producers to avoid crop damage and air quality issues long distances downwind.