What is the relationship between droplet size and drift potential in aerial applications?

In aerial applications, the relationship between droplet size and drift potential is critical to ensuring that pesticides or fertilizers are applied effectively while minimizing environmental impact. Smaller droplets tend to drift more because they are lighter and can be more easily carried away by wind and air currents.

When droplets are small, their surface area relative to their weight increases, which enhances their susceptibility to movement due to any atmospheric disturbances, such as wind. As a result, these smaller droplets have a higher likelihood of being blown off target, potentially leading to unintended exposure to non-target areas, including neighboring fields, waterways, and sensitive habitats.

Conversely, larger droplets, being heavier and less subject to air movement, settle faster to the ground and are less likely to drift off the intended application area. Hence, the control of droplet size is a key factor in managing drift during aerial pesticide applications.