What is "drift" in pesticide application?

Drift in pesticide application refers specifically to the airborne movement of pesticides away from the intended target area during application. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors such as wind speed, temperature, and the physical properties of the pesticide being applied. Drift is particularly concerning because it can lead to unwanted exposure of non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, wildlife, and humans, and can adversely affect the surrounding environment. Understanding drift is crucial for ensuring that pesticides are applied effectively while minimizing risks to non-target areas.

The other choices do not accurately encapsulate what drift is in the context of pesticide application. Mixing pesticides with fertilizers relates to formulation processes, pesticide residue collection pertains to monitoring environmental impact post-application, and measuring pesticide concentration deals with quantifying the amount of pesticide present in a given area or sample. These definitions do not describe the dynamic and critical aspect of how pesticides can unintentionally move away from their target.