At what droplet size does spray drift become a significant concern?

Spray drift is a critical concern in aerial application, particularly because it can affect non-target areas and potentially harm sensitive crops or environments. The size of the droplets is a key factor in determining the risk of drift.

When considering droplet size, smaller droplets are more prone to being carried away by wind due to their lower mass and greater surface area relative to volume. At around 200 microns, droplets start to reach a size where they can be significantly influenced by air currents, which enhances the potential for drift. This size is considered a threshold where many regulatory guidelines and best practices begin to highlight the need for careful management to mitigate drift risks.

Droplets below this size can travel long distances, leading to unintended pesticide application. Therefore, managing and adjusting droplet size to be at or above this level is vital for minimizing drift and ensuring that applications are effective and environmentally responsible.