What site characteristic increases the potential for soil and water pollution by a pesticide?

The potential for soil and water pollution by a pesticide is significantly influenced by erosion characteristics of a site. High erosion rates can lead to the loss of topsoil, which often contains valuable nutrients and organic matter. When pesticides are applied to land that experiences high erosion, they can be easily washed away from the target area into nearby water bodies or transported over land, especially during heavy rainfall events. This runoff not only diminishes the effectiveness of the pesticide application in controlling pests but also increases the risk of contaminating surface waters and groundwater systems.

In contrast, low erosion characteristics generally promote better soil retention and provide a more stable environment for the application of pesticides, thereby reducing the risk of movement into water resources. Good drainage conditions could also help reduce the standing water that can enhance the movement of pollutants, while rich organic matter typically supports beneficial microbial activity that can degrade certain pesticides. Hence, high erosion stands out as the site characteristic that creates a greater risk for pesticide-related pollution.