What is the benefit of pointing the nozzle closer to the ground during herbicide application?

Pointing the nozzle closer to the ground during herbicide application primarily reduces the risk of drift. Drift refers to the unintended movement of herbicide away from the target area, which can happen when aerosolized droplets are carried by wind or other environmental factors. By positioning the nozzle closer to the ground, the spray is applied more directly onto the target plants or soil, minimizing the potential for the herbicide to be carried off by air currents.

This practice not only improves the efficiency of the herbicide application but also protects surrounding vegetation and ecosystems from unintentional exposure to the chemicals. Additionally, this technique enhances the deposition of the herbicide onto the target area, which can lead to more effective weed control and lower overall product usage. Other options may address aspects of herbicide application but do not directly relate to drift mitigation and its associated environmental benefits.