What is the term for the movement of pesticide through the air from the target site to a non-target site?

The term that describes the movement of pesticide through the air from the target site to a non-target site is known as spray drift. Spray drift occurs when fine droplets of pesticide are carried away from the application area by wind or air currents, potentially affecting areas that were not intended to receive the pesticide. This phenomenon is particularly important in aerial application where the distance and height of the application can allow pesticides to travel significant distances away from the intended target. Understanding spray drift is crucial for applicators to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their pesticide applications while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment and non-target organisms.

The other choices refer to different concepts in pesticide application: runoff pertains to the movement of pesticides through water and soil, drift management involves strategies to minimize spray drift during application, and spillage occurs when a pesticide is accidentally spilled. Each of these is important in the context of pesticide application but does not specifically describe the air movement of pesticides away from the target area.