Pesticide drift increases when spray droplet size does what?

When considering how pesticide drift is influenced by spray droplet size and environmental conditions, the correct response highlights that drift increases when droplet size decreases and wind speed increases.

Smaller droplet sizes have a greater tendency to be carried away by air currents due to their lower mass, making them more susceptible to drift. When wind speed increases, the force exerted on these smaller droplets elevates the likelihood of them being moved away from the intended target area. This not only increases the distance that the pesticides travel but can also lead to unintended exposure to non-target areas, potentially harming beneficial organisms or causing contamination.

In contrast, larger droplets tend to settle more quickly and are less affected by air disturbances, thereby reducing drift potential. Thus, recognizing the interplay between droplet size and wind speed is crucial for effective pesticide application and minimizing environmental impact.