What is the primary reason for documenting weather conditions when applying pesticides?

The primary reason for documenting weather conditions when applying pesticides is related to compliance and defense. When pesticides are used, specific weather conditions such as wind speed, temperature, humidity, and precipitation can significantly affect how the pesticide behaves. Proper documentation helps ensure that the application adheres to regulatory guidelines, which may specify optimal weather conditions for safe and effective use. This documentation serves as a defense mechanism in the event of an audit or dispute regarding the pesticide application, demonstrating that all precautions were taken to minimize drift, runoff, or other environmental impacts.

While legal requirements, pesticide effectiveness, and record-keeping are all important factors in the application process, the emphasis on compliance and defense highlights the need to protect both the environment and the applicator's practices from potential liability.