What is an effective practice to ensure herbicides reach the intended target without drifting?

Applying herbicides in the evening when temperatures are cooler is an effective practice to minimize drift. Higher temperatures, often experienced during the day, can increase the volatility of certain herbicides, leading to evaporation or the formation of small droplets that can be easily carried away by wind. Cooler evening temperatures help to stabilize the application, ensuring that the herbicides remain in liquid form longer and effectively reach the intended target area without being aerosolized and carried by air movement.

In contrast, high-speed application techniques may cause herbicides to be airborne, increasing the likelihood of drift. Mixing herbicides with incompatible chemicals can destabilize the formulation and potentially create more volatile particles. Increasing the application area unnecessarily can exacerbate drift issues, as more herbicide may become exposed to wind and other environmental factors. Therefore, choosing to apply in cooler conditions is a strategic and effective approach to achieving precise herbicide application.