Minnesota Pesticide Applicator Practice Test 2026 - Free Pesticide Applicator Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary role of a field edge buffer is to protect water bodies from pesticide runoff and drift. Buffers are strategically placed along the edges of agricultural fields to serve as a barrier that can intercept and absorb excess nutrients, pesticides, and sediments that may otherwise wash into nearby water sources during rain events or through irrigation practices. This is critical in preventing contamination of streams, lakes, and other aquatic ecosystems, which helps to maintain water quality and protect aquatic life.

While enhancing crop productivity, maximizing pesticide coverage, and serving as wildlife habitat are important aspects of agriculture and ecology, they are not the main objective of a field edge buffer. The specific design and function of buffers are aimed primarily at safeguarding water resources from the adverse effects associated with agricultural runoff.