Which of the following practices can help minimize pesticide drift?

Monitoring weather conditions is essential for minimizing pesticide drift because it allows applicators to assess the environmental factors that contribute to drift, such as wind speed and direction, temperature inversions, and humidity. By staying informed about these conditions, applicators can choose the optimal time and method of application to reduce the risk of drift to non-target areas. For instance, if winds are predicted to be strong or variable, it may be best to delay the application until conditions are more suitable.

In contrast, using wider nozzles can sometimes help reduce drift by producing larger droplets, but this is not always the primary factor to consider. Applying during windy conditions can significantly increase the risk of drift, making this a counterproductive practice. While applying only at night can reduce the likelihood of drift, it may not be feasible for all situations and does not address the immediate weather conditions that may still lead to drifting materials. Therefore, actively monitoring weather patterns is the most reliable practice for minimizing drift effectively.