What is "drift" when applying pesticides?

Drift in the context of pesticide application specifically refers to the movement of pesticide particles through the air to unintended areas. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors during application, such as air currents or the physical characteristics of the pesticide mist or droplets, which may carry chemicals away from the target area. Understanding drift is crucial for pesticide applicators as it directly impacts both the effectiveness of the treatment and the safety of surrounding environments, including non-target plants and wildlife.

While wind can certainly influence drift and is a factor to consider during application, it's not the complete definition of drift itself. Additionally, absorption into the soil and runoff into water sources deal with different processes regarding how pesticides interact with the environment after application, rather than how they move through the air. Therefore, the correct response accurately captures the essence of what drift entails.