Which term describes zones around fields designed to protect sensitive sites from drift?

• A. Wildland reserves
• B. Buffer zones
• C. Pesticide corridors
• D. Safe zones

Answer: (B)

Buffer zones are protective barriers around a field where pesticides are applied, designed to limit drift and protect nearby sensitive sites such as homes, schools, gardens, water bodies, and pollinators. Pesticide drift happens when spray droplets or vapors move off-target due to wind, evaporation, or application properties. Establishing a buffer zone—often a strip of land left unsprayed or planted with vegetation—slows or traps drift and reduces the chance that residues reach non-target areas. The width and type of buffer depend on the product label, the application method, weather conditions, and the sensitivity of nearby receptors. While other terms might vaguely imply protection, they aren’t the standard way to describe the specific protective area used to reduce drift.