What environmental factors can influence pesticide drift?

Pesticide drift is significantly influenced by environmental conditions, notably humidity and wind speed. When pesticides are applied, wind can carry the spray droplets away from the target area, leading to unintended exposure of adjacent areas. Higher wind speeds increase the likelihood of drift, as the droplets can be transported over longer distances before settling.

Humidity also plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of pesticide droplets. Low humidity levels can lead to faster evaporation of the spray, which can contribute to the formation of smaller droplets that are more susceptible to drifting. Conversely, higher humidity can help keep droplets larger, decreasing the risk of drift.

In contrast to the other options, which may have relevance in specific contexts, humidity and wind speed are the primary environmental factors that consistently affect how pesticides behave in the air post-application. This understanding is critical for applicators to minimize drift and ensure effective pest management while protecting surrounding environments.