How does the size of droplets affect drift during herbicide application?

Larger droplets generally drift less during herbicide application due to their increased mass and momentum. When droplets are larger, they are less susceptible to being carried away by wind currents. The weight of these larger droplets helps them fall more quickly to the ground, reducing the distance they can travel away from the target area. This characteristic is crucial for minimizing the unintended spread of herbicides to non-target areas, which is a primary concern for applicators aiming for effective and responsible pesticide use.

In contrast, smaller droplets, while they can cover a larger area and provide thorough coverage of the target, are much lighter and can be easily influenced by even slight breezes, leading to increased drift potential. Understanding the relationship between droplet size and drift is essential for effective herbicide application and mitigation of environmental impact.