Which two factors should pesticide applicators monitor to prevent drift?

Monitoring droplet size and wind direction/speed is crucial for preventing pesticide drift during application. Droplet size directly impacts how far the pesticide can travel in the air after being sprayed. Larger droplets are less likely to be carried away by the wind, whereas smaller droplets can easily become airborne and drift to unintended areas, potentially affecting non-target crops, wildlife, or nearby communities.

Wind direction and speed are equally important factors that can significantly influence where the pesticide ends up post-application. If the wind is blowing toward sensitive areas, the likelihood of drift increases, making it essential for applicators to be aware of these conditions before and during the application process. Understanding and monitoring these factors can help pesticide applicators take measures to mitigate drift, such as adjusting their techniques or choosing appropriate times for application when wind conditions are more favorable.

In contrast, while factors like temperature, humidity, pesticide type, application rate, time of day, and equipment used all play roles in the effectiveness and overall safety of pesticide applications, they do not have as direct an impact on drift as droplet size and wind conditions do.