During which application method is pesticide mixed into the soil?

The correct method for mixing pesticide directly into the soil is soil incorporation. This technique involves integrating the pesticide into the top layer of the soil, which enhances its effectiveness by ensuring more uniform distribution and better contact with target pests residing in the soil. Soil incorporation is particularly beneficial for controlling soil-borne pests or diseases, as it allows the active ingredients to reach their intended target in a way that minimizes surface runoff and maximizes soil absorption.

In contrast, foliar spraying involves applying pesticides directly to the leaves and foliage of plants, which targets pests that feed on the plants but does not involve soil application. Aerial application is designed for large-scale treatment of crops from the air, also targeting the plant surfaces rather than the soil. Drip irrigation may involve introducing pesticides through the irrigation system but does not typically incorporate them into the soil; instead, it delivers them directly to the root zone in liquid form without mixing them into the soil matrix.