What is the consequence of varying the application speed without changing flow volume during an application?

Varying the application speed without adjusting the flow volume can lead to inconsistent coverage of the treatment area. This inconsistency arises because the amount of product being applied per unit area changes depending on how fast the aircraft is flying. For instance, if the flow rate remains constant but the speed increases, the application will cover a larger area than intended without applying the appropriate amount of product per unit area. Conversely, if the speed decreases, the product may be over-applied. This results in uneven distribution, which can cause some areas to receive too much treatment while others may not receive enough, leading to ineffective pest control or crop treatment.

Additionally, other options do not accurately describe the effects of varying application speed without modifying the flow volume. Improved coverage is dependent on maintaining a consistent application rate, cost reduction is not directly related to application speed alone, and increased safety may not necessarily follow from changing the speed of application. Thus, the most appropriate consequence of this scenario is the inconsistency in product coverage.