What is pesticide drift?

• A. Movement toward target
• B. Pesticide breakdown
• C. Soil erosion
• D. Movement off target

Answer: (D)

Pesticide drift is the unintended movement of pesticide through the air away from where it was meant to be applied. It happens when spray droplets or vapor are carried by wind during or just after application, landing on nearby crops, water, or structures. This is movement off target, not toward the intended area. It isn’t about the pesticide breaking down, and it isn’t about soil erosion.

Factors that influence drift include droplet size (smaller droplets travel farther), the type of nozzle and the spray pressure, how high the nozzle is above the target, and weather conditions like wind speed and atmospheric stability. Temperature inversions and certain humidity levels can make drift more likely. To reduce drift, use larger droplets when possible, drift-reducing nozzles or additives, apply closer to the ground with careful nozzle height, avoid windy or unstable conditions, and follow recommended buffer zones and label instructions.