Which soil features increase the risk of chemical movement through soil?

Coarse soil, characterized by larger particle sizes, tends to have larger pore spaces which can facilitate quicker water movement through the soil profile. This property increases the likelihood of chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilizers, being leached away from their intended application site and into groundwater or nearby waterways. In combination with low organic matter—which would otherwise help retain some moisture and nutrients—this makes the risk of chemical run-off or groundwater contamination more pronounced.

Furthermore, shallow groundwater creates less buffer space for contaminants. If there are high precipitation events, the chemicals can more easily reach the groundwater, increasing the potential for contamination. In summary, the combination of coarse texture and low organic matter means less retention of applied chemicals in the root zone and an increased risk of leaching to the groundwater.