Assessing Risk of Aerial Spray Drift in Paddy Fields: A Comprehensive Review

Spray drift poses a significant challenge in agricultural operations, with substantial implications for the environment, health, and the economy. This literature review synthesizes findings from recent research to address the multifaceted nature of spray drift, focusing on the influence of meteorological factors such as wind speed, direction, temperature, and humidity, as well as technical factors of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) such as flight altitude and speed, in the Malaysian context. Studies have indicated that higher wind speeds and adverse meteorological conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, intensify drift, necessitating comprehensive monitoring. UAV technical factors also play a crucial role, with optimized flight parameters reducing drift effectively. Comparative analyses between aerial and ground spraying reveal lower drift in ground spraying, although aerial spraying is advantageous in inaccessible terrains. The environmental and health impacts of spray drift are substantial, affecting water bodies, nontarget vegetation, beneficial insects, and human health, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures. Economically, spray drift leads to significant yield reductions and quality degradation, causing financial losses for farmers. Effective risk assessment and management strategies, combining modeling tools like AgDISP and AgDRIFT, field studies, technological innovations, and regulatory measures, are essential for mitigating drift risks. Despite comprehensive findings, gaps remain in understanding the interaction effects between meteorological and technical factors, long-term environmental and health impacts, and the cost-effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Future research should focus on these areas to develop more effective, context-specific solutions.