Smaller droplets increase which risk during application?

• A. Target coverage
• B. Pesticide residue on equipment
• C. Soil compaction
• D. Drift potential

Answer: (D)

Smaller droplets increase drift potential during application because their low mass makes them much easier for wind and air currents to carry, and they remain suspended and airborne longer before depositing. Drift is the movement of pesticide away from the target area, landing on non-target surfaces, which is more likely with fine droplets. Larger droplets, having more inertia, tend to deposit closer to where they’re released, reducing drift. So the primary risk that grows with smaller droplets is drift. The other options aren’t driven by droplet size in the same way: target coverage, residue on equipment, and soil compaction are influenced by different factors like nozzle design, surface contact, and machinery weight, respectively.