What can increase the potential for drift during pesticide application?

Choosing fine droplet sizes is associated with an increased potential for drift during pesticide application due to the physics of how droplets behave once they're airborne. Fine droplets are smaller in diameter, which makes them more susceptible to being carried away by wind currents. The smaller the droplet, the longer it stays suspended in the air and the more impact environmental factors, such as wind speed and thermal currents, have on it. This can result in unintended pesticide movement away from the target area, potentially affecting non-target organisms and ecosystems.

In contrast, lowering application pressure generally produces larger droplets, which reduces drift potential. Using slower vehicle speeds can help maintain better control over the application and minimize drift. Spraying at lower temperatures tends to encourage evaporation, but it can also have effects on droplet size and drift potential depending on formulations and conditions.