Which factor most directly increases drift of pesticides?

Which factor most directly increases drift of pesticides?

• A. Wind speed
• B. Temperature
• C. Soil moisture
• D. Time of day

Answer: (A)

Drift is the unintentional movement of pesticide spray by air currents away from the target area. The factor that most directly increases drift is wind speed because the faster the air is moving, the farther droplets are carried before they settle. Even small droplets will travel longer distances in stronger winds, raising the chance they land off target. Temperature, soil moisture, and time of day can influence drift indirectly—through effects on evaporation, droplet size, or air stability—but none act as the primary conveyor for spray like wind speed does.

Drift is the unintentional movement of pesticide spray by air currents away from the target area. The factor that most directly increases drift is wind speed because the faster the air is moving, the farther droplets are carried before they settle. Even small droplets will travel longer distances in stronger winds, raising the chance they land off target.

Temperature, soil moisture, and time of day can influence drift indirectly—through effects on evaporation, droplet size, or air stability—but none act as the primary conveyor for spray like wind speed does.