What does spray drift refer to?

Spray drift refers specifically to the movement of a pesticide during liquid application. This phenomenon occurs when fine droplets of the pesticide solution are carried away from the targeted area by wind or other environmental factors. Understanding spray drift is critical for applicators, as it can lead to unwanted exposure of non-target areas, including neighboring crops, wildlife, or water sources, resulting in potential harm or contamination. Proper application techniques, such as selecting appropriate weather conditions and using the correct nozzle type, are crucial in minimizing spray drift and ensuring that the pesticide reaches its intended target effectively while reducing the risk of environmental impact.

The other options do reference important aspects of pesticide management but do not define spray drift accurately. Movement of pesticide residues after application pertains to how chemicals might spread in the environment after they have been applied, while absorption by non-target plants addresses what happens after a pesticide has drifted or contaminated those plants. Retention of pesticide in treated areas discusses how well the product stays where it was applied. None of these concepts directly define the immediate phenomenon of spray drift itself.