Modern technology is reshaping the agricultural field, making it more convenient but also profoundly different than what we have known in the past. One example is the increased use of computerized drones.
Only a few years ago, drones were an expensive assets mostly used by government agencies or large corporations. Nowadays, drones are something nearly anyone can buy, and they are becoming quite useful for agriculture at large. J
Better Soil Analysis
One of the most important uses of drones stems from their use as an accurate assessment of soil quality. Soil is the most valuable resource you possess as a farmer, and you need to have a clear, science-based idea of what your soil is actually like.
Using drones to get soil samples from various parts of your land gives you a better idea of what your land is capable of. You can also create a 3D map of the land using this data, which aids in the planting process.
Planting
Speaking of planting, drones make the process faster, safer, and better organized. Drones produced specifically for planting are already available, and are constantly being improved. These drones are expected to cut down on planting costs by as much as 85%, raising overall efficiency by as much as 75%, according to some estimates.
Crop Spraying
Drones could easily be used for spraying plant—the key lies in the amount of liquid used, and the angle at which it is sprayed. These factors could be calculated with great precision when using drones.
What your plants are sprayed with is another matter, entirely. Sustainable farms should focus on making their produce as natural as possible, cutting down on the use of artificial additives whenever possible.
Crop Monitoring
For both large scale farmers and smaller homesteads, plant-monitoring is a big part of the job. You must ensure your crops are not damaged by animals, weather or neighbors. Crop-monitoring also ensures your plants are progressing as they should.
The process is time consuming, and there are better uses of your time. This is where drones come in handy, as they allow you to remotely monitor your crops while focusing on other tasks.
Irrigation
The technology for irrigation via drones is already here, but still requires some improvements. The key isn’t in carrying or spraying water, but making the drones aware of where water is needed. Drones need to understand the vegetation index: meaning the density of crops in an area, and their overall health.
To do this, drones require quality sensors, including hyperspectral, multispectral and thermal. The technology already exists, but must be improved and made affordable to larger groups of users.
Health Assessment
In the end, drones could and should be used to assess the health of the plants you’re growing. This means making sure there are no signs of bacterial and fungal infection.
Crops should be scanned in two ways: to find visible changes through photography, and to scan the plants for changes that are less visible. This is where NIR lights are used, and many modern drones come equipped with them. This allows you to react quickly, when a problem appears.
Conclusion
Drones are an invention that once seemed like the stuff of science fiction, but are now something nearly anyone can use. They make things much easier for farmers, allowing them to act in more sustainable and convenient ways.