Using drones increase earnings in agriculture

A study from 2019 between the Danish Technological Institute and SEGES shows the economic benefits of using drones in agriculture when gathering data for distributing plant protection. Targeting specific crops instead of the entire field ensures less plant protection waste and economic benefits for the farmer.

With help from drones, it is possible to analyse plants’ photosynthesis and allocate maps that are accurate to fit crops and equipment at any farm. This ensures a higher yield through an intelligent utilisation of fertiliser and savings on plant protection.

Earnings can be increased up to DKK 366 per hectare if data from drones are used to analyse where to distribute plant protection over the entire crop along with a graduated spraying. Instead of distributing plant protection evenly, farmers can now target the protection where it is needed and grow better crops.

Working smarter than harder

The study examined the difference between using data from satellites and drones since both are used to allocate maps to target the supply of fertilizer and plant protection based on information on growth and soil conditions. By using satellites, the distribution of plant protection is optimised with 36% where drones optimise with 79%. The drone technology delivers higher resolution which secures better results when sorting out lanes and field damages from an allocated map. A reduced amount of plant protection benefits both the environment and provides financial gain as less is wasted.

Scout Robotics is an example of a Danish company who works with photosynthesis analysis and allocated maps that optimise the process. Using the drone technology, they make ready-made allocation maps, working “smarter” than harder. Today Scout Robotics can deliver allocation maps that can be loaded directly into the spray system, already 2-3 hours after they start the overflight of a 40 hectares field.

Source: Landbrugsavisen