What practices can help reduce pesticide runoff?

Implementing buffer zones is an effective practice for reducing pesticide runoff because these zones serve as barriers that absorb and filter excess chemicals before they can enter water bodies. Buffer zones, often created using vegetation like grass, trees, or shrubs, help capture and utilize the chemicals, preventing them from washing away with rain or irrigation. This practice not only minimizes chemical exposure to nearby ecosystems but also supports habitat creation and erosion control, contributing to overall environmental health.

The other options, such as increasing pesticide application rates, using more potent chemicals, and applying pesticides during rain, would likely exacerbate runoff issues. Higher application rates or using more concentrated chemicals can lead to greater amounts of pesticides being present in the environment, while application during rainy conditions can wash chemicals off the treated area more easily. Therefore, these practices would not contribute positively to reducing runoff.