Increasing speed too much during application affects what?

Increasing speed too much during application primarily affects the wind shear effect on spray droplets. When an aircraft is moving at high speeds during the aerial application of pesticides or fertilizers, it can cause the spray droplets to experience significant aerodynamic forces. This results in what is known as wind shear, which can lead to pattern distortion and uneven distribution of the material being applied.

With higher speeds, droplets may be moved or altered more drastically by the surrounding air turbulence, affecting how they settle on the target area and potentially increasing drift. If droplet sizes are not optimal, it can also reduce coverage or lead to runoff, limiting effectiveness and causing potential environmental issues.

In contrast, aspects such as fuel efficiency, nozzle life, and applicator stability might be affected indirectly by speed variations, but the immediate and critical impact of excessive speed during application is most pronounced in terms of wind shear and its effects on the spray pattern and droplet behavior.