What happens when the application speed is varied without changing flow volume during an application?

When the application speed is varied without changing the flow volume, uneven coverage occurs. This happens because the amount of pesticide or fertilizer being applied over a specific area may not be consistent if the speed of the aircraft changes. For instance, at a faster application speed, the spray may not have enough time to effectively cover the target surface area, leading to areas that are either oversaturated or left untreated. Conversely, a slower speed could result in excess application in certain spots, which may lead to runoff or wastage.

In aerial applications, maintaining a consistent speed is crucial for achieving uniform coverage and effectiveness of the treatment. Adjusting speed without proportionally altering the flow volume disrupts this balance, leading to a significant inconsistency in how well the product is distributed across the crop or area being treated. Therefore, uneven coverage is the outcome when application speed changes but flow volume remains constant.