What is a key characteristic of a leaking nozzle that makes it problematic?

A leaking nozzle is problematic primarily because it leads to excessive chemical usage. When a nozzle leaks, it allows pesticides or other chemicals to escape unintentionally, which can not only significantly increase the amount of chemical applied but also cause environmental harm, such as runoff or contamination of non-target areas. This excessive usage can lead to higher operational costs, reduced efficiency, and potential safety hazards for both the environment and human health.

In contrast, characteristics such as ease of repair, improved application accuracy, or lack of impact on safety do not accurately define the issues presented by a leaking nozzle. The primary concern remains the inefficiency and potential environmental repercussions of applying more chemical than intended, making the second option the most relevant.