If drift has occurred, what should you consider for future operations?

• A. Ignore drift and proceed
• B. Stop using drift-control equipment and continue
• C. Adjust future operations to minimize drift
• D. Increase spray volume to wash away drift

Answer: (C)

When drift has occurred, the focus is on changing how you apply herbicides in the future to prevent it from happening again. Think about what caused the drift—wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity, droplet size, nozzle type, and how high the boom was. To minimize drift next time, adjust those factors: use appropriate droplet sizes (often coarser droplets reduce drift), choose suitable nozzles and lower the spray pressure if needed, keep the boom at or below the recommended height, and apply only under weather conditions that limit drift (avoiding inversions and windy periods). Consider drift-reducing adjuvants or formulations if appropriate, and always calibrate equipment and follow label directions. These changes address the root causes of drift and help protect adjacent crops and non-target areas. Ignoring drift, stopping drift-control measures, or increasing spray volume to push drift away won’t reduce off-target movement and can cause more problems.