Which of the following statements about calibrating pesticide application equipment is not true?

Calibrating pesticide application equipment is a critical practice that ensures various important aspects of pesticide use are achieved effectively and safely. The statement regarding speeding up the travel rate of the equipment is not true in the context of calibration. Calibration primarily focuses on ensuring that the equipment applies the correct amount of pesticide uniformly across the treated area, which is tied to the application rate rather than increasing the speed of operation.

When equipment is calibrated, it is to confirm that each nozzle or application mechanism delivers the pesticide at the manufacturer’s recommended label rates, which is essential for both efficacy and compliance with safety standards. This process inherently involves understanding the proper pace of operation to maintain the desired application rate, and simply speeding up the travel rate could lead to inadequate pesticide coverage or overdosing in certain areas.

In contrast, the other statements highlight valid benefits of proper calibration. Cost-effectiveness is achieved as well-calibrated equipment minimizes wasted product and ensures that pests are controlled without unnecessary expenditures. Applying pesticides at label rates helps prevent adverse effects on non-target organisms and the environment. Ultimately, calibration is a preventative measure that safeguards human health by reducing the risk of harmful pesticide exposure.