To adjust the amount of overlap in a spray pattern with flat spray tips, what must be modified?

To effectively adjust the amount of overlap in a spray pattern when using flat spray tips, modifying the boom height is crucial. When the boom height is altered, it directly influences the distance from the nozzle to the target surface. A higher boom height tends to decrease the overlap of the spray pattern since the droplets disperse over a broader area before reaching the target. Conversely, lowering the boom height can increase the overlap, as the spray pattern is more concentrated and can cover the target more effectively.

This adjustment is essential for achieving uniform coverage, as the correct amount of overlap ensures that no areas are missed and minimizes the risk of over-application in other areas. Adequate overlap helps to improve the efficacy of the pesticide application and promotes better pest control.

In contrast, other factors like the speed of the application vehicle, angle of the nozzle, and pressure of the pump also influence the spray pattern but do not directly modify overlap in the same way that boom height does. Adjustments to these factors can affect droplet size and coverage but would not specifically change the amount of overlap in the spray pattern as effectively as adjusting the boom height would.