What does "pesticide drift" refer to?

Pesticide drift refers to the movement of pesticide particles from the intended area of application, which can occur due to a variety of factors such as wind, spray pressure, or improper application techniques. This unintentional dispersion can lead to pesticides affecting non-target areas, including neighboring crops, gardens, waterways, and even residential areas, potentially causing harm to beneficial insects, plants, and human health.

Understanding pesticide drift is crucial for applicators to minimize environmental impacts and adhere to regulations designed to protect non-target organisms. This concept emphasizes the importance of using appropriate techniques and equipment to ensure that pesticides are applied efficiently and within the designated application sites. In contrast, the other choices refer to different aspects of pesticide use that do not encapsulate the idea of unintentional movement from the application site.