What primary advantage do granules offer in pesticide application?

Granules in pesticide application provide a primary advantage of reduced drift. Drift refers to the unintended movement of pesticide sprays from the target area to non-target areas due to wind or other environmental factors. Since granules are heavier and are applied in clumps rather than in a fine mist, they have a lower potential for being carried away by wind. This characteristic makes granules especially useful in situations where drift could harm surrounding vegetation, wildlife, or water sources.

While lower toxicity, faster absorption, and increased volatility are factors to consider in pesticide formulation and application, they do not highlight the primary benefit associated with granules. Granules may not necessarily have lower toxicity compared to other forms, such as liquids, nor are they known for faster absorption as they often require moisture or time to dissolve and be activated in the soil. Additionally, granules are designed to have reduced volatility to ensure they remain effective in their intended application areas and do not evaporate like some liquid formulations. Therefore, reduced drift is indeed the key advantage that sets granules apart in the context of pesticide application.