Ask a Farmer: What Are the Advantages of Aerial Application?

We asked Edenton farmer Carey Parrish about the advantages of aerial application on his farm:

On our farm, aerial applications are often the most efficient and affordable way to apply pesticides and fertilizer to growing crops. As a sixth-generation farmer, I know farmers have to consider the big picture, their budget and what works best for their farm. We have a ground rig we try to use as much as possible, but at some stages in the growing process using a ground rig can reduce yield by as much as one bushel per acre of soybeans and can harm pollination in corn.

See more: Ask a Farmer: Why are CSAs important?

Aerial application is favorable in many cases for planting a cover crop before the main crop is harvested, which is good for the soil. In addition, aerial application is often more timely, can help a farmer avoid spreading diseases from field to field and can help avoid creating ruts in the fields.

About the Farmer: Carey Parrish and his father raise cattle and grow row crops at Poplar Neck Farms LLC in Edenton. Parrish also owns and operates a crop dusting company and serves on several boards, including for the Chowan County Farm Bureau.