Which statement about movement of pesticides from the application site is true?

The statement that runoff and erosion are sources of surface water contamination by pesticides is accurate. Pesticides can leave the application site through various mechanisms, one of the most significant being runoff, which occurs when rainfall or irrigation causes water to flow over the ground. This water can pick up pesticide residues and carry them into nearby water bodies. Erosion can also displace soil that contains pesticide residues, contributing to contamination of the water. Thus, it’s essential to understand that both runoff and erosion play a critical role in how pesticides can spread beyond the intended application areas. This highlights the importance of implementing best management practices to minimize these risks and protect water quality.