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Evaluate the Site
Prior to any pesticide application, evaluate the site. Scope out and document potential problems before you make the application to identify sensitive areas such as susceptible crops, wetlands, bodies of water, houses, and inhabited areas (i.e. schools, hospitals). Applicators must know the direction of prevailing winds and exactly what lies downwind of the application. During any application, some droplets may be carried downwind from the application site.
The topography of an area can create microclimates where the temperature, wind, air flow, and humidity may be quite different from adjacent areas. Some locations are more likely to develop temperature inversions, or to channel drift down slope, and cause injury over long distances. Analyze every site carefully, and consider weather conditions before making any pesticide application.
Leaving untreated buffer zones between treated areas and sensitive areas will reduce the possibility of impacts from spray drift. Some examples of buffer zones are untreated crop rows or field borders, vegetative barriers, and windbreaks. Buffer sizes vary depending upon the pesticide being used, the sensitivity of the area, and other drift management practicies being used. Consult the pesticide label to ensure that any specific buffer requirements are followed. |