Mandatory minimum buffer zones with regard to surface waters are specified on product labels. No minimum buffer zones must be applied with regard to watering ponds that have no connection to groundwater or surface water. There are possibilities to reduce buffer zones as specified on the label. Indeed, some nozzles have been classified as "drift reducing".
Source: Boden.Wasser.Schutz. Beratung im Auftrag des Landes OÖ, Landwirtschaftskammer Oberösterreich
- Depending on the drift reduction class (50%, 75% or 90%) a reduction of the buffer zone width can be applied;
- If a water body can be clearly described as "flowing water" over its entire width the buffer zone can be reduced by 25%;
- If the water body is densely foliated in the area of the application, and if this foliated area is 1 m wide at a minimum and at a minimum 1 m higher than the nozzle height, the buffer zone can be reduced by 25%;
- If the applied amount in the area of the buffer zone is reduced by at least 50% the buffer zone reduction allowance of the higher drift reduction class can be applied.
Source: Boden.Wasser.Schutz. Beratung im Auftrag des Landes OÖ, Landwirtschaftskammer Oberösterreich