What action can lead to higher pesticide leaching potential?

The action that can lead to higher pesticide leaching potential is improper rinsate disposal. This is particularly relevant because rinsate, which is the liquid remaining after the cleaning of pesticide application equipment, can contain significant amounts of pesticide residues. When this rinsate is disposed of improperly, for instance by washing it into drainage systems or onto areas where it can easily infiltrate the soil, it can increase the concentration of pesticides in the water as it moves through the soil. Consequently, this can lead to higher chances of pollutants reaching groundwater supplies and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

In contrast, using organic amendments in soil generally helps improve soil structure and fertility, which can reduce leaching by enhancing the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients. Performing regular soil tests is a proactive approach that informs the applicator about the existing soil conditions and can guide more responsible pesticide and fertilizer use, thus minimizing leaching potential. Implementing crop rotation introduces diversity in plant use of soil and can improve soil health, further reducing the likelihood of pesticide leaching by breaking pest cycles and enhancing soil structure and nutrient retention.