Keys to Spray Drift Management
2005
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Kansas State University
Project Media
Proper application timing is very critical for getting the best biological results (efficacy) when applying crop protection products. Timing of the application can also influence off-target spray drift and damage to the environment. Weather conditions at application time will have a major impact on both efficacy and spray drift. Weather conditions affecting spray drift include wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric stability. As an applicator you have a responsibility to monitor and record accurately the weather conditions at application time. The ability to have accurate data for the application records will depend on the methods used to gather the information. Modern, field-useable instrumentation is critical for that need. Applicators can no longer estimate weather conditions or use some far off data source to justify the legality of the application. Anything from simple hand-held devices to sophisticated computerized logging devices are available.