What is drift in the context of pesticide application?

Drift in the context of pesticide application refers to the unintended movement of pesticide away from the target area through the air. This phenomenon often occurs when pesticides are applied using aerial or ground equipment, especially under windy conditions or when the spray droplets are too small.

Understanding drift is crucial for safe pesticide application because it can lead to contamination of non-target plants, wildlife, and water sources, as well as causing harm to beneficial insects and affecting neighboring crops. It is important for applicators to implement techniques and practices that minimize drift, such as selecting appropriate nozzles, adjusting spray pressures, and monitoring weather conditions during application.

The other options do not accurately define drift. Direct application refers to applying pesticides exactly to the intended area, while pesticide concentration in soil is about how much pesticide remains in the soil and does not pertain to movement. The method of combining different pesticides is known as tank mixing and is unrelated to the concept of drift.