What is the purpose of buffer zones in pesticide application?

• A. Reduce drift into unintended water bodies.
• B. Increase effectiveness.
• C. Minimize water contact with treated areas.
• D. Reduce runoff and drift into unintended water bodies.

Answer: (D)

Buffer zones are strips of land kept untreated around water bodies and other sensitive sites to protect water quality. Their main purpose is to prevent pesticides from reaching water by reducing two pathways: spray drift through the air and runoff that can carry residues into streams or lakes during rain or irrigation. By stopping application near these areas, both drift and runoff are diminished, which is why this description fits best. Reducing drift alone doesn’t address runoff, and increasing overall effectiveness isn’t the goal of buffer zones.