Which application method is likely to cause injury to sensitive vegetation or wildlife?

The application method that is likely to cause injury to sensitive vegetation or wildlife is ULV (Ultra-Low Volume) applications. This technique involves the use of a very small volume of pesticide, which is typically delivered in a fine mist or aerosol form. The nature of ULV applications can lead to the drift of pesticide particles away from the target area, especially in windy conditions. This drift can result in unintended exposure of nearby sensitive vegetation and wildlife, leading to potential damage or harm.

The other application methods, such as granular applications, soil injections, and spot treatments, tend to have more localized effects. Granular applications involve dispersing pesticide granules on the soil surface, where they are less likely to drift and can be absorbed more directly by the intended target. Soil injections place the pesticide directly into the soil, minimizing the risk of exposure to non-target organisms. Spot treatments target specific areas and reduce the amount of pesticide used, thereby limiting the likelihood of impacting surrounding vegetation and wildlife. In contrast, ULV applications can cover larger areas and are prone to unintentional spreading of chemicals, increasing the risk to sensitive organisms.