What is one of the main risks associated with the improper application of pesticides?

The main risk associated with the improper application of pesticides is damage to non-target species. This occurs when pesticides are applied in a way that affects organisms that were not intended to be targeted, including beneficial insects, wildlife, pets, and plants. Non-target species play critical roles in ecosystems, such as pollination and pest control, and their decline can lead to imbalances in the ecosystem, reduced biodiversity, and unintended consequences for food webs and agriculture.

When pesticides are misapplied, whether through the wrong dosage, application method, or timing, they can drift or leach into adjacent areas, harming organisms that contribute to ecological balance. For example, the use of broad-spectrum pesticides may kill beneficial insects along with the pests, resulting in an increase in pest populations over time due to the loss of natural predators.

In contrast, the other options involve outcomes that are generally not associated with the improper application of pesticides. Increased effectiveness, better soil quality, and improved crop yield suggest positive results that would typically be desired outcomes of proper pesticide application, not risks stemming from misapplication.