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Agri Business Review | Thursday, April 29, 2021
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UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicles) or drones were initially built for military purposes but are now widely applied in several industries, such as agriculture.
Fremont, CA: Drones have become an integral part of intelligent farming, and they help farmers tackle a wide range of challenges. Most of these advantages stem from eliminating any guesswork and reducing uncertainty. However, farming success depends on factors over which farmers have little or no control, like weather and soil conditions, temperature, etc.
This is where drone technology can become a real game-changer. With access to a vast data pool, the farmers can increase crop yields, save time, reduce expenses, and act with unparalleled accuracy and precision. A drone-based agritech software processes the collected data and provides it in an easy-to-read format.
The utilisation of drones for precision agriculture is gaining popularity due to their ability to deliver the most up-to-date information quickly and efficiently. In addition, the evolution of drones’ software and its overall affordability also account for the increased application of drones.
Here are a few ways how drones can be used for agriculture.
Estimating soil condition
Smart farming is data-driven, empowering farmers to take action based on correct information on soil conditions. Removing this data had previously involved physical visits to the field and gathering metrics manually. Equipped with intelligent agriculture sensors, drones can collect and deliver this data, and they can also do it faster and more precisely.
Fighting infections and pests
Agriculture drones inform farmers about soil conditions using thermal, multispectral, and hyperspectral technology, and they can also spot field areas inflicted by weeds, infections, and pests. Based on this data, farmers can decide on the exact amounts of chemicals needed to fight infestations, reduce expenses, and contribute to better field health.
Agriculture spraying
Smart farms also utilise drones for agriculture spraying, limiting human contact with fertilisers, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals. Drones can manage this task faster and more efficiently than vehicles and aeroplanes; they are also an excellent option for farms that still utilise manual labour.
Drones are also irretrievable when it comes to spotting treatment. They can discover infected areas with sensors and cameras and work on them while leaving the excellent part intact. This not only saves time and raises safety but also helps reduce expenses.