How does soil texture affect pesticide movement into groundwater?

The correct answer emphasizes the relationship between soil texture and water movement, particularly in sandy soils. Sandy soils are characterized by larger particle sizes and greater spaces between the particles, which allows water to percolate through them more quickly than in finer-textured soils, such as silts or clays. This rapid movement can lead to the quicker leaching of pesticides into groundwater because the larger spaces provide fewer binding sites for the pesticide molecules to adhere to the soil particles.

In contrast, fine-textured soils, like clay, typically retain water better due to their small particle sizes and high surface area, creating more adsorption sites that can hold both water and chemicals, including pesticides. This means that pesticides are less likely to leach through fine-textured soils into groundwater compared to sandy soils. Therefore, understanding this dynamic is vital for evaluating the risk of groundwater contamination from pesticide applications.

Additionally, stating that all soil types retain water equally would overlook the significant differences between soil textures and their respective properties in terms of water retention and movement. Thus, the choice highlighting sandy soils accurately reflects how soil texture influences pesticide mobility and the risk to groundwater.