What term is used when a pesticide is unintentionally blown off its target by the wind?

The term that refers to when a pesticide is unintentionally blown off its target by the wind is known as drift. This phenomenon occurs when small droplets or particles of pesticide become airborne, often resulting in unintended application to non-target areas such as nearby crops, waterways, or residential properties. Understanding drift is essential for safe pesticide application, as it can lead to environmental contamination and damage to non-target organisms. Recognizing and managing drift is crucial for compliance with regulations and for protecting both the ecosystem and human health.

Dispersion, on the other hand, typically refers to the process of spreading a substance more evenly in another medium and does not specifically involve wind effects. Evaporation pertains to the process wherein liquid pesticide transforms into vapor, which can affect application efficacy and safety but is not directly related to wind. Contamination generally denotes the presence of unwanted substances in a specific area or medium, which can happen due to drift but does not specifically describe the mechanism of the pesticide being carried away by wind.