Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which type of drift refers to the off-target movement of a pesticide during liquid application?

1. Vapor drift

2. Particle drift

3. Spray drift

4. Soil drift

The correct answer is: Spray drift

The correct term for the off-target movement of a pesticide during liquid application is spray drift. Spray drift specifically refers to the fine droplets of pesticide that can be carried away from the intended application site by wind, air currents, or other environmental factors. This phenomenon can occur during the application process and is a concern for pesticide applicators due to the potential for unintended exposure to non-target areas, including neighboring crops, wildlife, and water sources. Understanding spray drift is crucial for effective pest management and for protecting the environment and public health. Techniques to minimize spray drift include using larger droplet sizes, applying pesticides when wind speeds are lower, and using drift-reduction technologies. The other types of drift mentioned, such as vapor drift, typically refers to the gaseous movement of pesticide residues after application, and soil drift would pertain to the movement of pesticides through soil rather than air. Particle drift can imply larger particles moving with wind, but does not encompass the specific process of droplet movement during spraying. Therefore, spray drift is the most accurate terminology in the context of liquid pesticide application.