What can be a consequence of temperature inversions when applying pesticides?

Temperature inversions can significantly affect the behavior of pesticides after they are applied, particularly by increasing the risk of vapor drift. During a temperature inversion, a layer of warm air traps cooler air below it, which can lead to stable atmospheric conditions. In these scenarios, any pesticide vapors can become trapped close to the ground instead of dispersing. This can cause the vapors to drift away from the target area, potentially contaminating non-target areas or neighboring crops and leading to unintended damage.

Understanding the implications of temperature inversions is crucial for safe and effective pesticide application. This knowledge helps applicators choose appropriate times and conditions for application to minimize risk and ensure pesticides act where intended.