Reducing Spray Drift

Bulletin 816-00

Spray Drift is Undesirable

Regardless of where it occurs and what causes it, drift is undesirable because:

1. It results in inefficient use of application equipment and applicator time.
2. It may result in under-application of chemicals and ineffective pest control, which leads to additional applications, reduced yield and higher production costs.
3. It may result in over-application if the applicator knowingly over-applies chemicals to compen- sate for drift losses and to ensure the desired level of control.
4. Losses and/or costly litigation may result if sensitive crops in adjacent fields are damaged.
5. Unintentional contamination of foodstuffs from unacceptable pesticide residues can result in mandatory destruction of the crop.
6. It may contribute to pollution of air and water resources.
7. It may affect the health and safety of susceptible human and livestock populations.