What is meant by pesticide drift?

Pesticide drift refers to the unintentional movement of pesticide products away from the area of application to non-target areas. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors such as wind, temperature, and spray technique, leading to pesticides affecting sensitive crops, wildlife, water sources, or human populations that weren't intended to be treated.

Understanding pesticide drift is crucial for ensuring responsible pesticide use and for minimizing environmental impact. It emphasizes the importance of following application guidelines to mitigate drift, such as timing applications for calm weather and using appropriate equipment. The concern over pesticide drift is significant in agricultural and urban settings where maintaining the health of adjacent ecosystems and human communities is essential.