Pesticides with low solubility, high adsorption, and low persistence are more likely to leach.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough information
• D. Depends on rainfall

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how chemical properties control movement through soil. Leaching depends on how much pesticide dissolves in water and how easily it moves with groundwater. When a pesticide has low solubility, it doesn’t dissolve well in water, so it doesn’t travel far with percolating water. High adsorption means it sticks strongly to soil particles, keeping it near the surface rather than letting it move downward. Low persistence means it degrades quickly, shortening the window during which it could be leached. Put together, these traits make leaching less likely, so the statement that they are more likely to leach is not correct. If a pesticide were highly soluble, poorly adsorbed, and very persistent, leaching would be more of a concern.