Reducing Spray Drift: What You Need to Know

Herbicide-resistant weeds have complicated the spray drift issue making it more likely applicators will need to use several different crop protection products. The release of new herbicide-resistant cropping systems have increased applications of products such as 2,4-D and dicamba. The use of these products increase the pressure on farmers and applicators to more accurately manage spray drift. 

To help prevent spray drift, follow these guides: 

Nozzle Selection – Selecting the right nozzle for the right application is a challenge, it is the most important factor to manage spray drift. Farmers should examine current and future application requirements for their fields and prepare several sets of nozzles for different application needs. Individual field needs require farmers to consult the herbicide labels and nozzle catalogs to calibrate sprayer systems. This helps enables the selection of the best nozzle type combining on-target herbicide deposition and minimal off-target drift.

Droplet Size – The smaller the droplet, greater the chance of off-target drift. When boom or nozzle pressure is increased, a higher percentage of droplets are small and more likely to drift off-site. 

Application Speeds – When the application speed is too low or too high, droplets are more likely to remain suspended in the air and move long distances. With herbicides that need to be applied with extra care, it’s important to follow the herbicide label in terms of application speed.

Buffer Zone – With increased use of different herbicides, it’s important to maintain the proper distance when spraying downwind of sensitive plants. To achieve on-target application, farmers and applicators should be aware of their surroundings, the weather, and buffer zone requirements.