What happens to the amount of herbicide applied as the speed of the granular applicator increases?

As the speed of the granular applicator increases, less herbicide is applied per unit area due to the higher rate of travel across the treatment area. When the applicator moves quickly, there is less time for the granules to be emitted and settle effectively on the target surfaces, resulting in a reduced amount of herbicide that contacts the soil or plant material in the designated area.

This relationship between speed and application rate is a fundamental principle in pesticide application; slower speeds allow for better coverage and increased deposition of the herbicide. Therefore, as the applicator speeds up, the efficiency of herbicide application decreases, leading to a diminished amount being effectively utilized in the target area. This understanding is crucial to ensure effective pest management while also promoting environmental safety by avoiding over-application and potential runoff issues.