When calibrating a sprayer, if the travel speed is 5 mph, what is the relationship between speed and nozzle spacing in inches?

The correct understanding of the relationship between travel speed and nozzle spacing is that, as travel speed increases, the amount of spray applied per acre typically decreases if all other factors remain constant, such as the spray pressure and nozzle output.

When a sprayer travels faster, it covers more ground in the same amount of time, which means the same volume of spray is distributed over a larger area. Consequently, the gallons applied per acre would diminish because the sprayer is moving more quickly past each point, reducing the total amount of spray penetrated in that area.

The implications of this relationship are vital for ensuring effective pesticide or herbicide application. If one increases speed without adjusting the nozzle settings or application volume, it can lead to insufficient coverage, which can affect crop protection outcomes. Proper calibration of the sprayer is essential to ensure that it delivers the intended volume of treatment uniformly to the target area, taking into account the travel speed and nozzle spacing.