What two things should pesticide applicators be most aware of to avoid spray drift?

Pesticide applicators must prioritize awareness of droplet size and wind direction and speed to effectively avoid spray drift. Droplet size is crucial because larger droplets tend to settle more quickly to the target area, reducing the risk of them being carried away by the wind. If droplets are too fine, they can easily be lifted by air currents, which contributes to drift away from the intended application zone.

Wind direction and speed also play a significant role in managing drift. If the wind is blowing towards sensitive areas or at high speeds, there is an increased likelihood that the pesticide will drift away from the target application site. Understanding and monitoring these factors allows applicators to make informed decisions about when and how to apply pesticides, ultimately minimizing unintended exposure to non-target areas or organisms.

While other options highlight important factors in pesticide application, they do not specifically focus on the critical combination of droplet characteristics and environmental conditions, which are directly linked to the issue of spray drift. Droplet size and wind conditions are fundamental elements to ensure effective and responsible pesticide use.