Which method of pesticide application would reduce the amount of carrier required and risk of drift when controlling brush on a hot, windy day?

The basal bark method of pesticide application involves treating the lower portion of the tree or brush with a herbicide mixed with an appropriate carrier. This technique is effective because it allows for targeted application directly to the plant's stem, minimizing the volume of carrier needed. On hot, windy days, using less carrier is particularly advantageous as it decreases the chance of aerial drift, which can result in unintended exposure to non-target areas.

Unlike foliar sprays, which typically cover a larger area and can easily be affected by wind, the basal bark method limits the spread of the herbicide by concentrating it on specific plant parts. Soil applications might require wetting agents or larger volumes of herbicide to penetrate the soil and reach the roots, further increasing potential for drift. Aerial applications are most susceptible to drift due to wind impacts, making them less ideal under such conditions.

By focusing on the lower sections of the plants, basal bark applications achieve efficient control of brush with minimal environmental risk.