Which statement best explains why buffer zones are required near water bodies when applying pesticides?

• A. To reduce pesticide spray drift and protect worker safety.
• B. To improve crop yield.
• C. To protect water quality and non-target organisms and comply with label requirements.
• D. To shorten re-entry intervals.

Answer: (C)

Buffer zones are distances kept between where pesticides are applied and nearby water bodies to limit the movement of pesticides into the aquatic environment. This practice helps protect water quality by reducing spray drift and potential runoff that could carry pesticides into streams, rivers, lakes, or wells. It also safeguards non-target organisms, such as fish, aquatic invertebrates, and other wildlife that rely on those water bodies. In addition, the distances are specified on pesticide labels, so following them ensures you’re complying with label requirements. While drift control and worker safety are important in general, buffer zones near water bodies are specifically about protecting the environment and meeting label directions, not about increasing crop yield or shortening re-entry intervals.