Which system is recommended to reduce drift and increase accuracy of pesticide application in chemigation?

• A. Micro-irrigation systems
• B. Surface irrigation
• C. Flood irrigation
• D. Sprinkler irrigation

Answer: (A)

Chemigation works by mixing a pesticide with irrigation water and delivering it through the irrigation system to reach the root zone. The system that best reduces drift and increases accuracy is micro-irrigation. Delivering water and pesticide through low-volume lines with emitters placed close to the plants minimizes the amount of material that can become airborne or move off-target with wind. The injection rate can be precisely matched to the water flow, giving a very uniform, plant-specific application. In contrast, sprinkler, surface, or flood methods create more airborne droplets or runoff, which increases drift and reduces how evenly the pesticide is distributed.