If GPM and width W are held constant, increasing miles per hour (MPH) will cause the spray application rate (GPA) to

If GPM and width W are held constant, increasing miles per hour (MPH) will cause the spray application rate (GPA) to

• A. Increase
• B. Decrease
• C. Stay the same
• D. Be unpredictable

Answer: (B)

When the spray flow rate (GPM) and the spray width are fixed, the application rate in gallons per acre is inversely related to travel speed. Pushing the machine faster means you cover more acres in the same amount of time, but the same amount of liquid is being applied per minute, so those gallons are spread over a larger area. The result is a lower GPA as MPH increases. If you needed the same GPA at a higher speed, you would have to increase GPM or widen the spray width.

When the spray flow rate (GPM) and the spray width are fixed, the application rate in gallons per acre is inversely related to travel speed. Pushing the machine faster means you cover more acres in the same amount of time, but the same amount of liquid is being applied per minute, so those gallons are spread over a larger area. The result is a lower GPA as MPH increases. If you needed the same GPA at a higher speed, you would have to increase GPM or widen the spray width.