For many years, tractors and helicopters have been the main method for crop spraying. There are many reasons why drones are an effective alternative for crop spraying. By no means are drones going to replace all conventional applications, but there are certainly benefits to drone application in the right situations.
Properties do not always have large, uninterrupted fields and paddocks. Drone application is a great option if you have sites where certain obstacles have made conventional applications unavailable. With a small and agile operational crew, drone spraying can end up being cheaper than conventional aviation methods in particular areas. In New Zealand, we also have a variety of landscapes and terrains. The latest systems on drones maximise applications on smaller and irregular shaped areas, or difficult and varying terrain.
Exposure to chemicals is a risk that is very real in the agricultural industry and running a business where you are dealing with chemicals on a daily basis means taking every step possible to mitigate the risk of exposure to chemicals. Drones provide a way to have a reduced risk of chemical exposure for pilots and ground crew. The pilot can be at a safe distance from the application area, significantly reducing the opportunity for them to be exposed to the chemical being applied. Ground crew can also have very minimal exposure. There are many options of organising your equipment so that once the chemical is mixed, there is no need for the ground crew to be anywhere near the chemical.
Particularly in winter, but occasionally in other parts of the year based on New Zealand weather recently, the amount of rain we get can make paddocks, pastures, gardens and crop fields extremely wet underfoot. This makes for a situation where traditional tractor application can be difficult. Drones allow the application of chemicals to be applied regardless of how wet the ground is. Not having the weight of a large farm vehicle means that the compaction of the soil would be minimised. Highly compacted soil can cause a reduced rate of water infiltration and drainage which would not benefit the crops. Drones are also a fantastic option if the height of crops has exceeded that of which a tractor can move over without causing damage.
The rate that technology is progressing is another reason that drones are becoming more and more effective for crop spraying. Larger capacity drones are coming on the market to tackle larger areas. It is now a lot more possible to manage large areas than it was even two years ago. The technology to allow larger weights to be lifted has increased, but so too has the digital technology of what the drones are capable of in terms of proof of placement and obstacle avoidance. There are manufacturers who’s software provides proof of placement reports. This allows you to provide your client with this information, or if you are completing the work yourself, keep it on file so that you know what has been applied where and when. Of course, greater obstacle avoidance technology is also an ideal inclusion for the latest drones so that all people and property can remain safe during operations.
So, if you are looking at spraying your crops, whatever the reason, consider using a drone. There’s many reasons that they’re a great option, and the technology is just getting better and better. If you’re still not sure if it’s the right choice for you, give us a call and DronezUp and we can talk through your needs with you.
