Are smaller water droplets more susceptible to off-target drift due to their fall?

Smaller water droplets are indeed more susceptible to off-target drift due to their fall characteristics. This phenomenon occurs because smaller droplets have a lower mass and surface area-to-volume ratio, which means they are more influenced by atmospheric conditions such as wind and air turbulence. When these droplets are released during aerial application, they can remain airborne longer and be carried away from the intended target area, especially when there is any air movement.

The size of the droplets directly affects how quickly they descend. Larger droplets have more weight and can overcome minor air currents that might push smaller droplets off course. Therefore, the tendency for smaller droplets to drift away from the application site is significantly higher, making it crucial for aerial applicators to consider droplet size when planning applications to minimize off-target drift and ensure effective pest control.