Apart from external factors, what are the most important factors affecting off-target drift?

The most important factors affecting off-target drift, aside from external influences, are the size of spray droplets and the percentage of droplets within that size range. This is because the size of the droplets directly affects how they behave in the air after they are released from the application equipment. Smaller droplets are more likely to be carried away by wind, increasing the risk of drift onto unintended areas.

When droplets are too small, they remain airborne longer and can be transported over greater distances. Conversely, larger droplets tend to fall to the ground more quickly, which can help to minimize off-target drift. Thus, managing droplet size is crucial for effective and safe aerial application practices. The inclusion of various droplet sizes in the spray mix can lead to more controlled applications and reduced drift potential, making it a key factor in the behavior of the pesticide during and after application.