Soil texture affects the way pesticides work. Finer textured soils may need what?

Finer textured soils, such as clay, have a higher surface area and greater capacity to retain moisture compared to coarser soils like sandy soils. This retention can affect how pesticides interact with the soil. When pesticides are applied to finer textured soils, they can be held more tightly by the soil particles due to their larger surface area, which might limit the availability of the pesticide to the target pest.

To ensure effectiveness, higher application rates may be necessary in finer textured soils. This is because a greater amount of the pesticide needs to be applied to overcome the binding effects of the soil particles and ensure that enough active ingredient is available to affect the target organisms. Therefore, understanding the relationship between soil texture and pesticide efficacy is crucial for proper application rates in order to achieve effective pest control while minimizing environmental impact.