What condition in soil leads to faster leaching of pesticides?

Faster leaching of pesticides in soil is primarily influenced by its texture, particularly when considering coarse-textured soils. Coarse-textured soils, such as sandy soils, have larger particles with greater spaces between them. This allows water to move more freely through the soil profile, facilitating the downward movement of pesticides.

When pesticides are applied to coarse soils, they are more quickly transported downward through the larger voids, increasing the likelihood of leaching into groundwater or reaching lower soil layers faster than in finer-textured soils, such as clay. In contrast, soils high in organic material or clay are typically more effective at adsorbing pesticides, which can slow down the leaching process.

Presence of moisture does play a role in the mobility of pesticides, but in the context of soil texture, coarse soil's structure significantly contributes to more rapid leaching. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the impact of soil texture on pesticide movement and underscores the importance of understanding the physical properties of soil in pest control practices.