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The aerial application method is most likely to increase the potential for non-target crop injury due to several factors associated with how this method is conducted. When pesticides or fertilizers are applied from the air, the materials are dispersed over a wide area using aircraft, which can result in drift. Wind conditions play a significant role in aerial application; even light breezes can carry the chemicals away from the targeted area, affecting neighboring crops that are not intended to be treated.

Additionally, because aerial application often covers larger areas quickly, there is a heightened risk of over-spraying or misapplication, which can inadvertently expose nearby crops to harmful substances. The elevation at which aerial applications are made may also lead to inadequate targeting of the application, resulting in unintended consequences for non-target vegetation.

While ground application can also lead to similar risks, it typically allows for greater control and precision compared to aerial methods. Soil application and drip irrigation are generally more localized methods that limit exposure to non-target plants, making them less risky in this regard.