Question

how is soil permeability related to the application of fertilizers and pesticides? it has no effect on their application. highly permeable soil increases risk of contamination into groundwater. highly permeable soil enhances their effectiveness permanently. soil permeability makes pesticides unnecessary and useless.

Explanation:

Soil permeability refers to the ability of soil to transmit water. Highly permeable soil allows water (and substances dissolved in it like fertilizers and pesticides) to move through it more easily. When fertilizers and pesticides are applied, if the soil is highly permeable, these substances can leach through the soil layers and contaminate groundwater. This is a significant environmental concern.

• The first option "It has no effect on their application" is incorrect because soil permeability does have an impact as explained.
• The third option "Highly permeable soil enhances their effectiveness permanently" is wrong. While permeability can affect how quickly substances move, it doesn't enhance effectiveness permanently. Factors like degradation of fertilizers/pesticides over time etc. also play a role.
• The fourth option "Soil permeability makes pesticides unnecessary and useless" is false. Soil permeability doesn't eliminate the need for pesticides as pests are a separate issue from soil water - movement properties.

Answer:

Highly permeable soil increases risk of contamination into groundwater.