Herbicide drift occurs when spray droplets are carried by wind or air currents away from the intended target area. This can lead to unintended exposure of nearby crops, water bodies, animals, and even people to harmful chemicals.
In this case, potatoes, a crop particularly sensitive to certain herbicides, were unintentionally exposed. The effects included leaf distortion, stunted growth, and in severe cases, plant death.
A potato demonstration plot established by NPCK at the just concluded International Day of Potatoes at KALRO Marindas in Molo recently suffered significant damage following herbicide drift from a neighboring maize farm. The herbicide was sprayed on a windy day, causing the chemical to drift into the adjacent potato plot. This resulted in visible crop damage with some plants drying up completely and others experiencing stunted growth due to stress.
While such incidents can seem accidental, they are preventable through proper spraying techniques, timing, and awareness. This event offers a vital opportunity to educate farmers and applicators on safe and effective herbicide applications to protect both their crops and those of neighboring farms.
Best Practices for Spraying Herbicides
To minimize the risk of drift and maximize effectiveness, follow these guidelines:
- Right Time
Spray early in the morning (6:00–9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM), when wind speeds are typically lower and temperatures are cooler.
Avoid spraying on windy days — wind speeds above 10 km/h (6 mph) significantly increase drift risk.
- Right Weather Conditions
Avoid spraying during high temperatures, especially when it’s hot and dry. High heat increases evaporation, turning droplets into fine particles that can drift farther.
Check humidity – low humidity speeds up evaporation. Aim for moderate humidity conditions.
- Right Equipment
Use low-drift nozzles and coarse droplet settings to reduce airborne particles.
Ensure your sprayer is well-calibrated and nozzles are not worn out.
Maintain proper boom height — the lower the height, the less drift.
- Right Chemical Choice
Know the selectivity and volatility of the herbicide.
Avoid using highly volatile herbicides near sensitive crops like potatoes, tomatoes, or beans.
- Right Awareness
Inform neighboring farmers before spraying — coordination prevents conflict and protects all farms.
Create buffer zones or plant barriers (e.g., Napier grass) between different crops.
Do’s and Don’ts When Spraying Chemicals
- Do:
- Read and follow the label instructions carefully.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Clean equipment after use to prevent contamination.
- Record all spraying activities (date, time, chemical used, weather conditions).
- Train farm workers on responsible spraying techniques.
- Don’t:
- Do not spray when wind speed is high or unpredictable.
- Do not apply herbicides during peak sun hours (10:00 AM–3:00 PM).
- Do not mix chemicals without proper knowledge.
- Do not use damaged or leaking spraying equipment.
- Do not spray near open water sources or when rainfall is expected.
- A Teachable Moment for the Farming Community
In conclusion, the damage observed in KALRO Marindas potato demonstration plot is unfortunate, but it also highlights a crucial issue in modern agriculture — the importance of shared responsibility and neighborly collaboration in chemical use. It is not enough to safeguard your own field; your decisions can significantly affect those around you.
Let this serve as a wake-up call to all farmers, extension officers, and applicators: safety, communication, and environmental stewardship must go hand-in-hand in every agricultural practice.
