What is the recommended best management practice for preventing contamination of surface or groundwater by pesticides?

Implementing terrace and conservation tillage practices is recognized as a recommended best management practice for preventing the contamination of surface or groundwater by pesticides. These practices help to reduce soil erosion and runoff, which can carry pesticides and other pollutants into water bodies. By constructing terraces, the slope of the land is modified to slow down water flow, allowing sediment and potential contaminants to settle out rather than being washed into adjacent waterways. Conservation tillage minimizes soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and the organic layer that can filter and retain water, further decreasing the likelihood of pesticide movement into surface or groundwater.

In contrast, the other options do not effectively address the goal of preventing pesticide contamination. Chemical fertilizers can contribute to water pollution through runoff when they leach into waterways. Increasing pesticide application rates does not improve safety but rather increases the risk of contamination. Utilizing conventional tillage methods often disrupts soil structure, heightens erosion risks, and can lead to increased runoff, which may carry pesticides into nearby water sources. Therefore, the adoption of terrace and conservation tillage practices is a proactive approach aimed at maintaining water quality while supporting effective pest management.