How does a persistent pesticide affect the environment?

A persistent pesticide is designed to remain active and effective in the environment for an extended period. This characteristic allows it to continue controlling targeted pests over time, but it can also lead to various environmental impacts. For example, it may accumulate in soil, water, or non-target organisms, potentially disrupting ecosystems and affecting biodiversity.

In contrast, the other options describe different scenarios that do not apply to persistent pesticides. For instance, immediate decomposition after application would indicate a short-lived pesticide that breaks down quickly, which is the opposite of what a persistent pesticide does. Similarly, the requirement for less water does not relate to the persistence of the pesticide but rather addresses application techniques. Lastly, enhancing the growth of other plants is not a typical quality of persistent pesticides, which usually aim to target specific organisms rather than promote overall plant growth. Therefore, the correct understanding highlights how the long-lasting nature of a persistent pesticide impacts the environment significantly.