What is the primary reason for applying drift control measures and buffer zones near water or habitats?

• A. To speed up application.
• B. To prevent harm to non-target plants, animals, and water sources.
• C. To reduce the cost of pesticide use.
• D. To increase drift formation.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is protecting non-target life and water resources from pesticide drift. Drift control measures and buffer zones are used so that pesticides stay where they’re applied and don’t move off-target. Wind, droplet size, nozzle type, and spray pressure can push droplets beyond the target area, potentially contaminating streams, ponds, and habitats and harming nearby plants and wildlife. By using drift-reducing practices—like appropriate nozzle selection, smaller spray droplets, proper pressure, and drift-reduction adjuvants—and by keeping a buffer zone between treated areas and water or sensitive habitats, the risk of contamination is lowered. This is why the primary reason is to prevent harm to non-target plants, animals, and water sources. The other options—speeding up application, cutting costs, or increasing drift—do not align with the purpose of drift control and buffers.