What is the function of buffer zones in pesticide application?

Buffer zones serve a crucial role in pesticide application by acting as a protective barrier for sensitive environments and organisms. These zones are established to minimize the risk of pesticide drift and runoff, which could potentially harm non-target species such as beneficial insects, aquatic life, and nearby plants. By creating a space between treated areas and these sensitive ecosystems, buffer zones help to safeguard wildlife, maintain biodiversity, and protect water quality.

Implementing buffer zones is not primarily about preventing pests from entering treated areas or separating different species of crops. While these aspects are important in agricultural management, the core function of buffer zones is environmental protection. Improving the effectiveness of pesticide mixtures is also not a role of buffer zones; rather, the focus is on ensuring that pesticide application does not adversely affect surrounding areas and organisms that could be vulnerable to chemical exposure.