MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which type of nozzles is recommended to lower pesticide air drift?

1. Fine nozzles

2. Low-pressure and coarse nozzles

3. High-pressure nozzles

4. Adjustable nozzles

The correct answer is: Low-pressure and coarse nozzles

The recommendation of low-pressure and coarse nozzles to lower pesticide air drift is based on their design and characteristics that facilitate better droplet formation and deposition. Coarse nozzles produce larger droplets compared to fine nozzles, which means that there is a lower chance of those droplets being carried away by the wind. Larger droplets fall to the ground more readily, reducing the distance they can drift from the target area. Additionally, operating at lower pressures creates a wider droplet size distribution, further minimizing the number of fine droplets that could be easily lifted by air currents. This combination not only helps improve pesticide application efficiency but also enhances overall environmental safety by reducing the potential for drift-related incidents that can affect non-target organisms and areas.