Using volatile carriers like diesel fuel instead of water for spray solutions affects drift in which manner?

Using volatile carriers like diesel fuel instead of water for spray solutions increases the risk of drift due to the physical and chemical properties of these carriers. Volatile carriers tend to evaporate more readily than water, which can result in smaller droplet sizes being formed during spraying. Smaller droplets are more susceptible to being carried away by the wind, thereby increasing drift potential.

Additionally, diesel fuel can change the way herbicides or pesticides behave in the environment. The formulation may enhance the volatility of the active ingredients, further contributing to drift. In conditions of high temperature, the volatility will increase, exacerbating the drift risk even more.

In contrast, water is a less volatile carrier, which helps maintain larger droplet sizes that settle more quickly and are less likely to be affected by wind conditions. This is why choosing a carrier with higher volatility, such as diesel fuel, is recognized as a factor that significantly elevates the risk of drift during application.