FutureFarming notes that alongside autonomous robots, spraying drones are the hottest topic in precision agriculture today.

The offer is wide

Even though it's a relatively new field, farmers already have a wide range of models and manufacturers to choose from. But what should you consider when buying a spraying drone?

We should emphasize right from the start that in most cases, these drones can also be used for field exploration using different sensors or for spreading solid granular substances, such as fertilizers or seeds. But we will focus on spraying, which is the main purpose for which you will use such a tool.

You should keep this in mind – spraying drones are a tool meant to apply crop protection substances to your crops, so you should focus your search on the things that make it better for this job. Do not focus on side options like the number of cameras, fancy apps, or joysticks and other such gimmicks.

1. Nozzles

As I said, the main task is to apply crop protection products to your crops. And nozzles are one, if not the most important part of this.

Note that many drones still come equipped with nozzles similar to or identical to those found on traditional spraying machines. And while this may be seen as a benefit, it is not.

Because when spraying with drones, the mixture of crop protection products (CP) with water has a different ratio – much less water or so-called ultra-low volume is used.

This means that the mixture is usually more viscous or has a higher proportion of solid particles in water. As a result, the nozzles can frequently clog or apply a different amount of substance per hectare than desired.

2. Pump

Following the logic above, you want to be sure your drone is equipped with a pump (or pumps) that can handle such viscous substances. This is more important than having a pump capable of delivering a large volume of mixture in a short time because with drones, you will apply small volumes of mixture.

3. Batteries and chargers

How many minutes a drone can fly on a fully charged battery is important. But do you know what is even more important? How quickly you can charge that battery. So pay close attention to this factor when doing your homework before making a decision.

The size of the electric generator is also important here because you don't want to use a large trailer behind the pickup truck to transport the drone, generator, and other accessories.

Choose a dealer

In addition to the three very important factors above, also choose the dealer with the best and fastest service in your area, because drone spraying is not meant to replace mounted, trailed, and self-propelled sprayers – it should be seen as an ambulance for your crops.

When conditions are not suitable for traditional sprayers, you take the drone and get the job done.

Finally, pay great attention to local legislation on drone operation and crop protection product application with drones. In most countries around the world, this is not well or at all regulated, and you may have problems. (Photo: Freepik)