What does the term 'drift' refer to in pesticide application?

The term 'drift' in pesticide application specifically refers to the movement of pesticides due to wind. During the spraying process, particularly when using spray equipment, small droplets of pesticide can be carried away from the target area by air currents. This unintentional dispersion can result in pesticides landing on non-target plants, animals, or water sources, which can lead to environmental contamination and negatively affect ecosystems. Understanding drift is crucial for applicators to ensure the safe and effective use of pesticides while minimizing unintended exposure to non-target areas. This definition highlights the importance of taking wind conditions into account when planning and executing pesticide applications.