Drones are increasingly being adopted in agriculture for a multitude of purposes, leveraging their capabilities to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability.
Here we take a look at some of the ways drones are currently being used across this industry.
Crop surveillance
Drones equipped with sensors can capture high-resolution images of crops, quickly surveying large areas of land and identifying potential issues such as pest infestations, diseases, nutrient deficiencies or weed growth. Early detection allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of crop loss.
Precision agriculture
Drone imagery can generate Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NVDI) maps to help landowners assess the strength and health of crops. Additionally, drones can then be used to apply fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides precisely where they are needed. This reduces overuse, limits human contact with harmful chemicals, minimises the impact to the environment and optimises crop yield.
Mapping and surveying
Drones equipped with LiDAR or photogrammetry tools can create detailed topographic maps of the terrain. This information is useful for land planning, drainage management, and irrigation system design. Additionally, drones can be used to help landowners accurately map and monitor field boundaries accurately, facilitating better management of land resources.
Livestock surveillance
Drones can help monitor the health and behaviours of livestock, by assisting landowners to calculate exact numbers, find lost cattle and even detect injured or sick animals using thermal sensor technology.
Natural disaster impact assessments
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, drones can be deployed to assess the extent of damage to crops and infrastructure quickly and easily, providing valuable information to aid with response and recovery efforts.
Weather and environmental monitoring
Drones can be equipped with sensors to collect weather and environmental data. This information is valuable for understanding local microclimates and making informed decisions about crop management.
Water management
Drones can be used to assess the effectiveness of irrigation systems, by identifying areas with insufficient or excessive water. This information helps landowners optimise irrigation practices for water conservation.
By integrating drone technology into agriculture, you can make more informed decision, reduce resource wastage, and enhance overall farm and land management.
