What technique can be used to reduce the buffer zone to 10 feet?

Directed application is a technique that allows for more precise placement of fertilizers, minimizing the risk of runoff or drift into non-target areas. When the application is directed, it can be aimed specifically at the target area, thereby reducing the need for wider buffer zones. This precision can significantly decrease the buffer zone requirement, allowing it to be reduced to as little as 10 feet in certain situations.

This approach is particularly beneficial as it decreases the potential environmental impact while ensuring that the fertilizer is placed exactly where it is needed. By focusing the application, there is less likelihood of any unintended consequences, such as contamination of nearby water bodies or non-target vegetation.

In contrast, increasing the application rate could lead to more runoff and environmental issues, whereas a slower travel speed might not necessarily contribute to a reduced buffer zone, and adding more water could dilute the effectiveness of the fertilizer without directly addressing the buffer zone requirement. Therefore, directed application stands out as the viable method for achieving a reduced buffer zone.