What happens to spray droplet size when pressure is increased?

When pressure is increased during the application of pesticides, the size of the spray droplets typically increases. This phenomenon occurs because higher pressure causes the liquid to break into larger droplets as it is forced through the nozzle. The dynamics of fluid mechanics explain that when a liquid is pressurized, it tends to expand and can result in the formation of larger droplets rather than smaller ones.

What is also noteworthy is that larger droplets are often desirable in certain contexts, such as minimizing drift—where droplets can be carried away by the wind—allowing for more directed application on target areas. Understanding the relationship between pressure and droplet size is critical for effective pesticide application and ensuring that the treatment reaches the target area as intended.