Which factor can significantly increase the risk of volatilization after application?

High temperatures significantly increase the risk of volatilization after herbicide application. When temperatures rise, it can lead to the evaporation of herbicide particles into the air. This process is particularly pronounced for certain classes of herbicides, especially those that are formulated to remain as liquids or those that are more volatile in nature. In warm conditions, the molecules within the herbicide become more energetic, which increases their tendency to escape the liquid phase and enter the atmosphere as vapor.

In contrast, high humidity can actually help to minimize volatilization because the presence of moisture in the air can facilitate the condensation of vapor, causing the herbicides to settle back down rather than remain airborne. Windy conditions can disperse the herbicides away from the target area but do not inherently increase their volatility. Cold temperatures tend to slow down the evaporation processes, further reducing volatilization risks. Thus, high temperatures emerge as the critical factor leading to increased volatility of herbicides.