Drone work efficiency VS Ground Rig
Currently, drones are mainly used in the United States to spray fungicides after rain to promptly control the spread of soybean white mold, and to spread cover crops before harvesting tall crops to increase soil fertility.
Grower’s Questions:
We like to use as much water as we can and 10 to 15gal an acre at times (depending on Chem) isn’t out of the question, and can do 160ac in ~1.5 to 2 hours a field depending on fill time.
Answer:
The T40 operates at a rate of 40 acres/hour. If you need to achieve the same coverage area, you need 2 drones to work together, and DJI drones use high concentration and low flow technology to make the droplets more uniform and effectively improve the pesticide utilization rate. The pesticide application amount is 2-3 GPA Depends on product and weather.
Grower’s Questions:
2 drone operation:
2 pilots, 2 drones, 3rd person filling constantly, batteries charging constantly, 2-3gal/ac
Current operation:
1 operator, 1 sprayer, 1-2 fills, 7-15gal/ac.
Answer:
You are right, drone spraying does not have the advantages of large tractors in the early stage if the ground condition is good for the tractor to get in.
Drones have been used in the following scenarios in these years:
*Soft ground
*After the rain
*Tall crops
*Spot spray weeds
*Only spray the edges of the field
*Cover crops in mature crops
Protect crops while increasing yields and profits.
Grower’s Review on the use of drones:
No tracks, can go way before a ground rig in wet conditions, perfect for spot spraying weed patches like toadflax or Canada thistle.
I like the drone can blow droplets to the intersections and backs of leaves.