MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

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Prepare for the MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Exam. Study with flashcards and detailed explanations for each topic. Get ready to excel in your examination!

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What is a primary characteristic of pesticides that influences runoff potential?

Volatility levels
Solubility
Adsorption
Persistence

The correct answer is: Solubility

The primary characteristic of pesticides that influences runoff potential is solubility. A pesticide's solubility determines how readily it dissolves in water. When a pesticide is highly soluble, it can easily wash off the treated area and enter the runoff, especially during rain or irrigation events. This can lead to contamination of surface water and groundwater. In contrast, pesticides that are less soluble tend to remain bound to the soil, reducing their potential to be carried away by water. Understanding a pesticide's solubility is crucial for applicators to make informed decisions about its use and to implement practices that minimize environmental impact. Therefore, assessing solubility helps determine how likely a pesticide is to enter water systems through runoff.