Florida Limited Lawn and Ornamental Practice Exam

Organic matter in soil plays a significant role in influencing pesticide leaching, and it primarily decreases leaching. The presence of organic matter enhances the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients, including pesticides, which means that pesticides are less likely to move downward through the soil profile and contaminate groundwater or surrounding environments.

Organic matter serves several functions that contribute to this effect. First, it improves soil structure, leading to better aggregation, which creates pore spaces for water movement. Second, organic matter has a high cation exchange capacity, allowing it to bind with various chemicals, including pesticides. This binding process reduces the availability of pesticides for leaching. Moreover, organic compounds can adsorb and stabilize pesticides, making them less mobile in the soil.

In the context of the other responses, while some might suggest that organic matter could lead to increased moisture retention or have no effect on leaching, the unequivocal impact of organic material is its ability to minimize the leaching potential of pesticides, thereby protecting water quality and enhancing soil health.

Ask an Examzify Tutor