Drift refers to which phenomenon?

Drift refers to which phenomenon?

• A. Movement of pesticide through air or diffusion beyond target boundaries
• B. The same as overspray
• C. Pesticide breakdown in soil
• D. Water runoff from mixing site

Answer: (A)

Drift is the movement of pesticide through the air away from the treated area, carried by wind or diffusion, so it ends up beyond the target boundaries. This means fine droplets or vapors can travel off-target and deposit on nearby surfaces, crops, water, or people. It’s different from simply applying too much product or from runoff or degradation in soil. Factors that influence drift include droplet size, nozzle type, application height, wind speed/direction, and temperature; understanding this helps you choose larger droplets, appropriate nozzles, and proper conditions to minimize off-target exposure.

Drift is the movement of pesticide through the air away from the treated area, carried by wind or diffusion, so it ends up beyond the target boundaries. This means fine droplets or vapors can travel off-target and deposit on nearby surfaces, crops, water, or people. It’s different from simply applying too much product or from runoff or degradation in soil. Factors that influence drift include droplet size, nozzle type, application height, wind speed/direction, and temperature; understanding this helps you choose larger droplets, appropriate nozzles, and proper conditions to minimize off-target exposure.