Which factor is LEAST likely to influence the drift of pesticides?

Drift of pesticides refers to the movement of pesticide particles away from the target application area, which can lead to unintended exposure to non-target areas. Several factors influence this phenomenon.

Wind speed is a significant factor; higher winds can carry pesticide droplets further from the application site. Temperature plays a role as well, particularly through its effect on evaporation rates, which can alter droplet size and increase potential drift. Application rate also impacts drift, as heavier rates may result in larger droplet sizes that are less susceptible to wind drift, whereas lighter rates may produce finer droplets that can be more easily carried away.

Soil moisture, while important for plant health and uptake of pesticides, does not directly influence the airborne drift of pesticides during application. Instead, it is more related to the application and effectiveness of soil-applied pesticides rather than drift dynamics. Therefore, this factor is least likely to influence the drift of pesticides in the context of aerial or ground application.