Pesticide regulations for the minimization of drift during pesticide application often require active ingredient (a.i.) product use under defined droplet size conditions. Spray performance with respect to transport and deposition of droplets and particles at target surfaces and product efficacy for desired applications are also affected by droplet size spectra. The effect of drift reduction adjuvants on droplet size spectra should be understood in this context. The present test method describes standard tests that can be conducted to investigate the performance of pesticide spray drift reduction adjuvants under simulated field use conditions for drift management decisions in the context of the entire spraying process. The measured reduction in driftable fines and shift in spray droplet size distribution can be used to reduce the buffer zones mandated by regulatory agencies.

1.1 This test method is used to characterize the performance of pesticide spray drift reduction adjuvants with respect to spray droplet size spectra, volume of fines, and other use parameters under simulated field ground application conditions. This test method does not include any procedures to evaluate if pump shear degrades the performance of the spray drift reduction adjuvant.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

Note 1—This method uses industry-standard units. The following conversions to SI units are provided for convenience: 1 mph = 1.61 kph; 1 in = 2.54 cm; 1 gal/acre = 9.36 L/hectare.

1.3 This test method does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.