What is a common practice to enhance drift control in herbicide application?

Using drift control additives is a common and effective practice in herbicide application to enhance drift control. These additives are specifically formulated to increase the viscosity of the spray solution, which helps to reduce the formation of small droplets that are more susceptible to wind drift. By incorporating these additives into the herbicide mixture, applicators can achieve larger droplet sizes, which settle more quickly and stay targeted on the intended area. This approach is crucial in preventing unintentional application to non-target areas and minimizing environmental impact.

The other practices, such as reducing spray volume, increasing application speed, or applying during midday, can potentially lead to increased drift rather than mitigating it. Reducing the spray volume may result in smaller droplet sizes, which are more prone to drifting. Similarly, applying herbicides at higher speeds can create finer droplets, exacerbating drift issues. Performing applications during midday when temperatures are higher can also lead to increased evaporation of the spray mixture, contributing to a higher likelihood of drift from thermal updrafts. Therefore, the use of drift control additives stands out as the most effective method for enhancing drift control in herbicide application.