When should a lower concentration of soil pesticide be used?

Using a lower concentration of soil pesticide when spraying sandy soil is appropriate because sandy soils tend to drain quickly and have a lower nutrient and moisture retention capacity. This means that pesticides applied at higher concentrations could leach away from the target area before they have a chance to effectively control pests. Additionally, sandy soils allow for faster penetration and movement of pesticides, which can increase the risk of off-target effects and groundwater contamination if higher concentrations are used.

In contrast, clay soils retain moisture and nutrients more effectively, which can support the use of higher concentrations of pesticides since they are less likely to leach beyond the target zone. Commercial fertilizers typically do not influence the concentration of soil pesticide directly, as they serve different purposes and may affect plant growth rather than pesticide effectiveness. Treating wetland areas often requires different considerations altogether, focusing on environmental protection and regulatory compliance, further reducing the rationale for using lower pesticide concentrations in that context.