What are optimum wind conditions to avoid off-target drift when applying a pesticide to a field border?

The optimum wind conditions for minimizing off-target drift during pesticide application are when there is a light breeze blowing from the field border into the field. This scenario, referred to as a downwind condition, helps to keep the pesticide within the intended application area.

When wind blows towards the field, it assists in directing the drifted particles back into the application zone, reducing the likelihood of contamination of adjacent areas. This is particularly important for protecting non-targeted crops and sensitive environments from pesticide exposure.

In contrast, having no wind may seem ideal but can result in uneven distribution of particles that may drift if any slight air movement occurs. Higher wind speeds can significantly increase the risk of drift, particularly when winds are blowing towards vulnerable areas, which is the case in the other provided options. Thus, a gentle wind from the border into the field effectively reduces off-target movement, making it the safest choice for pesticide application.