If a temperature inversion is observed, what is the recommended action?

If a temperature inversion is observed, what is the recommended action?

• A. Proceed with the application
• B. Postpone until conditions improve
• C. Increase the spray pressure
• D. Apply at night

Answer: (B)

When a temperature inversion is present, the air near the ground is cooler and capped by a warmer layer above, which greatly reduces vertical mixing. Spray droplets remain in the near-surface layer and can drift sideways even with light winds, leading to off-target deposition on nearby crops, water, or people. Because drift risk is high, the best action is to postpone the application until the inversion dissipates and winds are sufficient to carry droplets in a controlled way and promote deposition on the target crop. Proceeding, increasing spray pressure, or applying at night would all tend to worsen drift or apply under unstable conditions, making them inappropriate choices.

When a temperature inversion is present, the air near the ground is cooler and capped by a warmer layer above, which greatly reduces vertical mixing. Spray droplets remain in the near-surface layer and can drift sideways even with light winds, leading to off-target deposition on nearby crops, water, or people. Because drift risk is high, the best action is to postpone the application until the inversion dissipates and winds are sufficient to carry droplets in a controlled way and promote deposition on the target crop. Proceeding, increasing spray pressure, or applying at night would all tend to worsen drift or apply under unstable conditions, making them inappropriate choices.