What term describes the vegetation strip placed along waterways to trap pesticides from runoff?

What term describes the vegetation strip placed along waterways to trap pesticides from runoff?

• A. Filter strips
• B. Buffer zones
• C. Dikes
• D. Runoff culverts

Answer: (A)

Filter strips are vegetation strips placed along waterways to trap pesticides from runoff. Planted with grasses or dense groundcover, these strips slow and filter runoff as it moves toward a stream or ditch. The plants, roots, and the soil surface capture pesticides and sediment, allowing more water to infiltrate and reducing the amount that reaches the water body. They also support microbial processes that can help break down some chemicals before they enter surface water. While buffer zones involve vegetation near water to reduce spray drift during application, their primary purpose is not to trap runoff after rain. Dikes are embankments built to hold or divert water, not vegetative filters. Runoff culverts are channels or pipes that convey runoff beneath obstacles, not vegetation strips.

Filter strips are vegetation strips placed along waterways to trap pesticides from runoff. Planted with grasses or dense groundcover, these strips slow and filter runoff as it moves toward a stream or ditch. The plants, roots, and the soil surface capture pesticides and sediment, allowing more water to infiltrate and reducing the amount that reaches the water body. They also support microbial processes that can help break down some chemicals before they enter surface water. While buffer zones involve vegetation near water to reduce spray drift during application, their primary purpose is not to trap runoff after rain. Dikes are embankments built to hold or divert water, not vegetative filters. Runoff culverts are channels or pipes that convey runoff beneath obstacles, not vegetation strips.