MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the term for the movement of pesticides away from the application site due to wind?

1. Drift

2. Runoff

3. Leaching

4. Contamination

The correct answer is: Drift

The term that refers to the movement of pesticides away from the application site due to wind is "drift." Drift occurs when airborne particles of pesticides, often small enough to be carried by wind currents, travel beyond the intended treatment area. This can result in unintended exposure to neighboring plants, wildlife, or human populations. Understanding drift is crucial for applicators because it can lead to environmental contamination and potential violations of regulations. Runoff describes the movement of pesticides across the surface of the ground, often into water bodies, typically caused by rain or irrigation rather than wind. Leaching refers to the downward movement of pesticides through the soil, which can result in groundwater contamination. Contamination is a broader term that can refer to the introduction of pesticides into any environment outside of the intended area, but does not specifically indicate the process of movement caused by wind. Thus, "drift" specifically captures the phenomenon of pesticide particles being carried away from their intended application site by wind.