Which of the following practices can help reduce runoff and improve water quality?

Using vegetative buffer zones is an effective practice for reducing runoff and improving water quality. Vegetative buffers consist of strips of vegetation, typically grasses, shrubs, or trees, planted along waterways or around the perimeter of fields. These zones play a critical role in filtering pollutants from surface runoff before they enter water bodies.

The roots of the plants help to stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and preventing sediment from being washed into streams and rivers. Additionally, the vegetation can absorb excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are common contributors to water pollution. By capturing and transforming these harmful substances, vegetative buffers enhance the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

In comparison, practices like installing concrete drainage systems and increasing paved surfaces can contribute to runoff issues by facilitating the rapid flow of rainwater into water bodies, often leading to increased pollution and erosion. Similarly, disposing waste in open areas can further degrade water quality rather than improve it, as it introduces harmful contaminants into the environment.