Drones are increasingly used in agriculture, or ‘AgTech’.
Plant health with Multispectral sensors
One use is via flying aerial inspection missions using Multispectral Sensors (such as RedEdge by AgEagle). A multispectral sensor captures image data at a range of frequencies across the electromagnetic spectrum with a view to measuring different aspects of crop health. These sensors allow farmers to manage crops, soil, irrigation and fertilizing more precisely and consequently are becoming essential tools for modern farmers to increase crop yields and efficiency.
Drones for crop spraying and irrigation
Drone crop spraying is a process of using UAS’s to apply herbicides, persicides and precision irrigtion to crops. Traditional methods often involved large manned aircraft (airplanes or helicopters), which are generally more expensive and less precise.
While drone crop spraying has benefitis in specific envirnomnents, it doesn’t replace traditional manned-aviation crop spraying. Size of area to be sprayed, orography, crop types and frequency are all factors for farmers in chosing the correct solution.
In many Provinces and States operators muy obtain an aerial applicators license before they can operate drones for spraying any chemicals.
