Which factor is crucial for proper droplet size in pesticide application?

The crucial factor for proper droplet size in pesticide application is wind speed. Wind can significantly affect droplet behavior during application. When wind speeds are too high, it can cause smaller droplets to drift away from the target area, resulting in uneven application and potential environmental contamination. Conversely, if wind speeds are too low, it may lead to inadequate coverage, as droplets might settle without dispersing properly over the target area.

While airborne humidity, soil composition, and pesticide formulation can influence other aspects of pesticide efficacy and application techniques, they do not directly dictate the size of the droplets that are produced during the application. Airborne humidity primarily affects evaporation rates, soil composition pertains to how pesticides interact with the soil environment, and pesticide formulation can impact the overall effectiveness but is not the primary determiner of droplet size during application. Thus, controlling wind speed is essential to achieve the desired droplet size and ensure effective application while minimizing risks.