Pilotless aircraft, better known as drones, have revolutionized a number of industries with the multitude of applications they can have. From applications in the defense sector to delivering packages in a whole new way, new uses are constantly being developed for drones to open up a range of new possibilities for businesses. Food production is one business that is beginning to capitalize on the benefits drones provide, including these applications for drones for agriculture.
Assessing Field Conditions
One of the main benefits of drones in the agricultural industry is that they provide an easy way of getting a better vantage point on your farm to give you insights you may not get from observing on the ground. You’ll be able to get a birds-eye view of your land without the expense and difficulty that comes with traditional aircraft. Some modern drones even come with soil monitoring technology that lets you do things like monitoring nitrogen levels in soil with ease.
Monitoring Plant Health
Drones can also be used to detect any problems with the health of your crops early, allowing you to take the proper measures to mitigate damage. Drones equipped with regular cameras offer more precision monitoring than the traditional method of using satellite imagery, with images that are accurate down to the millimeter. Drones may also be equipped with special imaging equipment that automatically assesses the health of plants based on color, allowing for even quicker detection.
Planning Irrigation Systems
The monitoring that drones allow you to perform will also be critical in improving your farm’s irrigation systems. Some drones come equipped with microwave sensors that allow for a highly accurate reading of moisture levels in soil. That gives you information that will help you plan your irrigation system more efficiently, determining where water is needed and where it can be cut back so that you can maximize the efficiency that you use resources with.
Security Measures
For some more valuable crops, monitoring fields to prevent intruders from stealing or otherwise damaging your crop is essential. However, hiring security personnel is expensive, and the vast amounts of land some farms use make that an infeasible solution. Drone monitoring allows for an easier, lower-cost way of achieving that security, giving you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected.
Pesticide or Seed Dispersal
As agricultural technology for drones continues to develop, more advanced models are able to directly handle key processes like dusting fields with pesticide to prevent infestations that can damage crops. Drone developers are also beginning to experiment with technology that allows drones to launch pods of seeds and nutrients directly into the soil. This allows for efficient planting in hard to reach areas without endangering farm workers.
As this innovative new technology continues to develop, there are sure to be new ways for farms to utilize drones to maximize their efficiency. For instance, the xCraft Panadrone is the only tethered drone on the market capable of achieving altitudes over 350ft and can be outfitted with an array of camera solutions, including Thermal, Zoom, Electro-Optical, or Infrared. Drones like this can gather a variety of data points, contributing to cutting edge technology that can revolutionize agriculture. Stay up to date on the latest developments in drone technology at XCraft UAV!
