Which is a recommended best management practice for preventing contamination of surface and groundwater by pesticides?

The recommended best management practice for preventing contamination of surface and groundwater by pesticides is to use terrace and conservation tillage practices. This approach is effective because it helps manage soil erosion and runoff, which are significant pathways for pesticide transport to water bodies. By establishing terraces, farmers can slow down water movement and allow more time for absorption and filtration, reducing the likelihood that pesticides will reach surface waters or leach into groundwater.

Terrace farming involves creating stepped, flat areas on slope land to hold water and soil in place, while conservation tillage minimizes soil disturbance and maintains residue cover on the soil surface. These practices not only help protect water sources but also promote healthier soil and can enhance crop yields sustainably over time.

The other choices, such as selecting persistent pesticides or using highly water-soluble pesticides, would actually increase the risk of contamination rather than mitigate it. Cleaning sprayers near sinkholes poses a direct contamination risk, making those options less favorable for best management practices.