Which factor is not listed as increasing pesticide runoff risk?

• A. Heavy rainfall after application
• B. Slope
• C. Soil with poor absorption characteristics
• D. Wind speed during application

Answer: (D)

Runoff risk is about how water moving over the soil can carry pesticides into nearby water bodies. Heavy rainfall after application provides the water that pushes residues across the soil surface toward streams or rivers. A slope makes that water flow faster and farther downhill, increasing the amount that can reach water. Soil with poor absorption doesn’t hold onto water well, so more water remains on the surface to carry pesticides away. Wind speed during application mainly affects how much pesticide drifts through the air to non-target areas; it doesn’t significantly change how much pesticide is washed off the soil by water. So, wind speed during application is not a factor that increases runoff risk.