What is an over-the-top spray application used for?

An over-the-top spray application is designed specifically to manage vegetation that is already present, which includes both crops and weeds. This method allows for broadcasting herbicides directly onto the tops of established plants. It is particularly useful in situations where post-emergent treatment is necessary, as it targets the visible foliage of unwanted plants that have already emerged. This application style is widely employed in various agricultural practices to ensure weeds are effectively controlled alongside crops, minimizing competition for resources such as light, nutrients, and water.

The other options involve techniques and applications that either target areas before plant emergence or apply treatments beneath the canopy, which do not align with the specific purpose of an over-the-top spray application.