What practice helps in preventing pesticide runoff into water bodies?

Establishing buffer zones around water bodies is an effective practice for preventing pesticide runoff into water bodies. Buffer zones are areas of vegetation or natural landscape designed to intercept and filter water before it reaches a water source. These zones can absorb excess moisture and reduce the velocity of surface runoff, which carries pesticides and other chemicals, thereby minimizing contamination of nearby lakes, rivers, or streams.

By maintaining these buffer areas, the vegetation can trap sediment and absorb potential pollutants, providing a barrier that helps protect aquatic ecosystems. This practice not only contributes to better water quality but also enhances biodiversity and promotes a more stable ecosystem in the surrounding area.

Other options do not effectively address the issue of runoff. For instance, applying pesticides on concrete surfaces can lead to increased runoff since rainwater can easily wash chemicals into waterways without any soil or vegetation to absorb or filter it. Watering immediately before application can increase the likelihood of runoff as well, by saturating the soil and potentially leading to excess water flowing over treated areas. Finally, applying pesticides during windy conditions increases the risk of drift, leading to unintended pesticide applications and potential runoff to water bodies.