Which of the following is a key aspect of preventing pesticide drift?

Timing of application is pivotal in preventing pesticide drift because it significantly influences environmental conditions, such as wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity. Applying pesticides during breeze-free times, such as early morning or late evening, helps minimize the likelihood of drift, ensuring that the chemical remains effective in the intended area and does not affect non-target environments or organisms.

The other choices, while potentially relevant in specific contexts, do not have the same direct impact on preventing drift. The color of the spray tank does not affect the behavior of the pesticide itself. The type of terrain might influence how the pesticide is applied, but it does not inherently relate to drift prevention. Distance from the target area could help reduce exposure to non-target areas, but ensuring proper timing is a proactive step that can prevent drift from occurring in the first place.