What is one method to reduce the likelihood of equipment malfunction during pesticide application?

Frequent inspections and maintenance of pesticide application equipment is crucial in ensuring it operates effectively and safely. Regular checks allow for the early identification of wear and tear, potential leaks, and other mechanical issues that could lead to malfunction during application. By maintaining equipment properly, applicators can help prevent accidents that might result from unexpected failures, which in turn protects both the environment and public health. This proactive approach also enhances the efficiency of pesticide application, ensuring the treatments are delivered as intended, minimizing waste, and maximizing effectiveness.

In contrast, avoiding the use of new equipment could lead to missing advancements in technology that improve reliability. Minimizing training for operators can create a risk of improper usage of the equipment, potentially leading to malfunctions. Relying solely on manual operations may limit the effective application rate and increase the risk of human error, making it less reliable compared to automated systems. Therefore, regular inspections and maintenance stand out as the most effective method to maintain equipment functionality.