What factor can greatly increase the spread of contaminants in loosely packed fields?

The spread of contaminants in loosely packed fields is significantly influenced by excessive foot traffic and poor sanitation practices. When there is heavy foot traffic, individuals can inadvertently carry pathogens and contaminants from one area to another, especially if they walk across different sections of the field without proper sanitation measures in place.

Moreover, poor sanitation practices exacerbate this issue. If workers do not maintain proper hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and using clean footwear, the likelihood of transferring contaminants also increases. Contaminants can easily be picked up from the ground and then distributed across the field, ultimately affecting food safety and the overall health of the crops.

In contrast, frequent inspections, minimal foot traffic, and regular watering are practices that either help manage or do not inherently contribute to the spread of contaminants. Regular inspections can identify and address sanitation issues, while minimal foot traffic reduces the potential for contamination spread. Similarly, watering fields, when done properly, does not directly correlate with contamination spread but rather supports healthy crop growth.