On a day with what probability of precipitation would pesticide application minimize losses in runoff?

The probability of precipitation plays a crucial role in determining when to apply pesticides to minimize potential losses due to runoff. A 20% chance of precipitation suggests a relatively low risk that rain will occur, which means the likelihood of runoff causing pesticide loss is also minimal.

At this probability level, there is a good opportunity to successfully apply pesticides because, with minimal rainfall expected, the likelihood of pesticides being washed away by sudden rain events is reduced. This allows for effective pest control while ensuring environmental protection by preventing unnecessary contamination of water sources.

Higher probabilities, such as 50% or more, indicate a significant chance of rainfall, which increases the risk of runoff and thereby the potential loss of pesticide effectiveness as well as negative environmental impacts. A 10% probability would be low, but the 20% mark is an optimal balance where the risk of runoff is low enough to justify application.