What practice can help to minimize pesticide runoff?

Incorporating pesticides into the soil is an effective practice to minimize runoff. When pesticides are mixed into the soil, they are less likely to be washed away by rain or irrigation. This method allows for better absorption of the chemicals by plants and reduces their presence in surface water. Proper incorporation can lead to improved efficacy, ensuring that the pesticides target pests more effectively while limiting unintended environmental impact.

Watering heavily before application may actually increase the chances of runoff, as the soil can become saturated, making it harder for the pesticides to attach to the soil particles. Applying smaller doses more frequently could also lead to more frequent applications that might not be absorbed before potential rainfall and could consequently increase runoff. Lastly, applying pesticides before rain is forecasted raises the risk that the rain will wash away a significant portion of the pesticide, rather than allowing it to penetrate the soil effectively. Hence, incorporation into the soil stands out as the most reliable method to control pesticide runoff.