Ag Aviation Has Environmental Benefits
Agriculture aviation was established in the 1920s. It is still a vital component of high-yield agriculture today. Because insecticides and other products were delivered dry, aerial application was often called crop dusting in its early days. Aerial applicators now use products in liquid, seed, or granular form to control pests, provide nutrition, and even plant the fields. Aerial application accounts for nearly one-fourth of all crop protection products used in the U.S.
Like most conventional farming practices there are many misconceptions about aerial application. One of the most prevalent concerns is possible environmental damage. It has been suggested that chemical delivery via aircraft is not able to ensure proper distribution to an area and prevent unwanted carryover. Modern technology and skilled professionals allow aerial applicators operate with minimal risk to public safety. To get more information on this topic, Mark Kimmel (2021 President) of the National Agricultural Aviation Association spoke to me. He stated that agricultural aviation has made great strides since the mid-1950s. He said that technology is what has made our industry so different. He also stated that today’s ag aviation professionals are good stewards for agriculture.
Applicators have been using GPS devices since the late 80s/early 1990s to ensure that the right amount of product is being applied. Applicators pay attention to factors such as spray formulation, spray height, spray pressure, nozzle size, and spray design. This helps minimize off-target drift, and keeps the product where it is supposed to be. Kimmel said that planes are equipped onboard with wind-detection units that allow aerial applicators monitor wind direction, strength and speed in real-time. Pilots release small amounts of smoke to see where the wind is blowing before releasing chemicals. Kimmel claims that variable rate technology has enabled ag pilots in the field to apply fertilizer precisely and prevent over-application. This saves money.
Ag pilots are responsible for the integrity and health of the surrounding areas as well as the fields they work in. Kimmel explains that technology in an airplane can track all activity, giving evidence of where a pilot went, what they released, and so on. EPA regulations are being adhered to and chemical drift is being controlled by the pilots thanks to their constant research, technology and training.
Many people don’t know that aerial application is not only safe and efficient but also has many benefits for the environment. Different methods of applying chemicals need to be moved through the field using different wheels, such as a tractor and sprayer or pivot irrigation system. This can lead to some soil compaction. It is important to avoid soil compaction as it can lead to soil erosion and hinder crop production. There is less air between soil particles, which reduces the rate of soil water infiltration. This can lead to excessive water use and increased risk for water runoff. Root function and growth can also be affected, increasing the possibility of crop diseases. Soil crusting makes it more difficult for crops and soil compaction makes it harder to emerge. Crop stress can lead to decreased yields and ultimately, lower yields. To produce the same crop, you need more land. Less yield equals less land. The ability to apply insecticides, fertilizers and other products by air is a significant advantage for farmers and the environment.
Another important benefit of aerial applications to the environment is their unique ability to help farmers plant cover crops. Cover crops are one of the most effective conservation techniques farmers can use to improve soil quality and biodiversity in their farms. These low-maintenance seeds, such as grasses and legumes and small grains are often sown in the air preharvest to improve soil quality, water quality, and promote a healthy growing environment. Cover crops are quick-growing and help to keep the soil in its place, reducing erosion caused by rain and wind. This helps to keep sediment and other contaminants out the waterways. Cover crops also naturally decompose over time, adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil. This reduces the need for fertilizer applications. Cover crops also increase biodiversity by providing a natural environment for pollinators and pest deterrents to thrive.
What role does the aerial application of cover crops play? Because of its speed, precision timing and superior quality, seeding cover crops by air is a superior way to plant them. These cover crops take longer to grow and offer the same benefits as when they are applied aerially. The ideal time to plant many cover crop is before the main cash crop is harvested. Ground rigs cannot deliver cover crop seed at the best time to avoid damaging the main cash crop. Aerial application of the seed allows for planting in fields that are too wet to use a drill or tractor. This further enhances the accuracy and timing of aerial application.
It’s easy to be skeptical if you see a low-flying aircraft spraying unknown chemicals over a field. But it is important to be informed before making any conclusions that aren’t supported by the evidence. This is because the ag aviation industry is very conscious of public safety and environmental protection. They are also essential to high yield agriculture that feeds a growing population. It is safe to say that the aerial applicators who are flying around fields across this country know what they are doing and care deeply about your health.
SOURCES:
1) Frequently Asked Questions – R & M Spraying | R & M Spraying (rmspraying.com)
2) National Agricultural Aviation Association, www.agaviation.org
3) The Future of Agricultural Aviation is Up in the Air – Farm Flavor
4) IEEE Paper Template in A4 (V1) (usda.gov)
5) 510-1.pdf (gov.ab.ca)
