A Comprehensive Guide to Using Agricultural Drones for Rice Spreading and Fertilization

Benefits, Techniques, and Best Practices The release of the MG-1S spreading system in 2018 marked a turning point in the capabilities of agriculture drones. Beyond just spraying pesticides and fungicides, drones are now used to spread rice seeds, granular fertilizers, and more, enhancing agricultural practices with their versatility.   DJI Agriculture drones have been transforming rice cultivation by offering farmers a more efficient and precise approach to sowing and fertilization.   To achieve successful drone-based spreading operations, it is essential to follow several key steps and best practices for optimal results.   Below is a comprehensive guide on using drones for rice seeding and fertilization. Benefits of Using Drones for Rice Spreading and Fertilization The use of agriculture drones for rice spreading and fertilization offers many benefits compared to traditional methods. Some notable advantages include:   Increased efficiency and speed, reducing manual labor Precise application, leading to reduced waste and damage to crops Accessibility to difficult or remote terrain Ability to cover larger areas in a shorter period of time Real-time monitoring and data collection for better decision making Getting Started with the Agras Spreading System To utilize the spreading system of your agricultural drone, begin by switching it to spreading mode. This process is quick and simply requires removing the spraying tank and installing the spreading tank. For more information about the spreading system and installation instructions, view the following resources: Introduction to the spreading system: https://youtu.be/B6ZjXpfbiRE   Transitioning from spraying to spreading system: https://youtu.be/cp7e1XuU63Q Understanding Rice Growth Periods Generally, there are some periods for rice growth and here is the main focus on each period of rice growth:   Vegetative (tillering) Reproductive (flowering) Ripening   To achieve optimal results in rice spreading and fertilization, it is important to understand the different growth periods of rice plants. This knowledge can help determine the appropriate timing for seeding and fertilization using agricultural drones.   1. Selecting the Right Spreading Time   Rice growth is significantly affected by seasonal and climatic conditions. Selecting the optimal planting time is crucial for successful cultivation. The ideal sowing period for rice seeds differs by region, so it is important to refer to local climate data or consult agricultural experts and agronomists when planning the planting schedule.   2. Pest and Disease Control Rice crops are susceptible to numerous pests and diseases that can greatly affect both yield and quality. Conducting regular field inspections is crucial, and prompt control measures should be enacted upon detecting any infestations or infections. This proactive approach helps minimize losses and ensures the health of the crop.   3. Timely Fertilization   Proper nutrition is crucial throughout the various stages of rice growth. Apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers as required, taking care to avoid over-fertilization, which can result in soil pollution and environmental harm.   4. Efficient Field Management   Rice fields require effective management practices, including weeding, pruning, and supplementary fertilization. These activities help promote healthy growth, increase yield, and improve crop quality. Preparation Before Drone Spreading and Fertilization 1. Ensure Flight Safety   Before starting any drone operation, ensure that the flight environment is safe. Drones should avoid any collisions with people, buildings, or other obstacles during flight.   2. Accurate Positioning and Flight Route Planning   Effective route planning is essential when using agricultural drones for spreading or fertilization. Proper route coverage ensures that every section of the field is  seeded or treated, reducing the risk of gaps or overlapping coverage.   3. Appropriate Flight Parameters   Adjust the drone’s flight parameters such as altitude and speed based on crop height and field conditions. Lower altitudes generally improve spraying or spreading accuracy, but care should be taken to avoid colliding with crops or uneven terrain.     Here are parameters recommended for spreading rice seed: Height Above Crop 4 – 5 m Application Rate 140-200 kg/ha  Flight Speed 6 – 7 m/s Route Spacing 4.5 – 5.5 m Mode (Auto)Route Mode SpinnerSpeed 900-1100 rpm/min Scenario Route Mode + Above water (if have water surface) Hopper Gate Standard Obstacle Avoidance Turn on Wind Speed Below５m/s Low Speed Ascend Turn on Flight Optimization Auto Route Spacing Adjustment –Turn on Smart Resume – Turn on Regular Maintenance and Inspection Drones and its spreading systems require regular maintenance to ensure operational efficiency and safety. Regular inspections of the spreading system, flight control systems, and batteries are essential to maintain accuracy and reliability.   Spreader Cleaning: After each use, remove and clean the spreader. A steam cleaner can be used to remove any stuck fertilizer or manure from the motor module and control board. Follow this by wiping it clean with a damp cloth and then drying it with a dry cloth. Plastic Bin and Spreader Plate: Clean these components using a water hose and brush to remove any remaining material. Allow them to dry completely before storage. Video for spreading system maintenance: https://youtu.be/gTGpbkof9Z4 Considerations with Agricultural Drones Route Spacing Settings During Spreading: There’s a fundamental principle: As a drone’s flight altitude rises or its spreading disk speed increases, the row spacing may expand. Therefore, it’s crucial to adjust route spacing appropriately to ensure even seed distribution. To prevent rice seeding overlap between routes, it is highly recommended to adhere to the aforementioned parameters. Calibration for New Materials: When switching to a new material, such as a different seed type or fertilizer, create a new calibration template to ensure accurate application rate. Calibration should include loading the new material into the spreader and adjusting flow rates.   Video for creating a material template: https://youtu.be/YIV-FskmB4E Flat Terrain Requirements: Fields for rice spreading should be level, with variations in height not exceeding 5 cm. Uneven fields may result in water pooling, hindering seed germination and emergence. It’s recommended to use a tractor to level the field first and check if it’s even or not. Seed Pre-Germination: Pre-germinated rice seeds should have sprouts between 1-3 mm. Sprouts longer than 3 mm may cause blockages during spreading, leading to uneven distribution.   The seed…

Rapeseed Farming with DJI Agriculture Drone Solutions

A complete solution guide for using DJI Agriculture drones when farming rapeseed In the world of agriculture, rapeseed stands out as a crop of tremendous global significance. Originally cultivated over 4,000 years ago in India, rapeseed has emerged as the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal worldwide. Its importance extends to countries like China, Canada, and India, which are top producers, collectively yielding millions of tons annually. Despite its importance, rapeseed farmers face substantial challenges using traditional farming methods, including inefficiencies, high labor costs, and potential safety risks. In this article we discuss how drones can help elevate rapeseed farming efficiency and yields. Challenges of Traditional Rapeseed Farming Traditional rapeseed farming often leaves farmers struggling with inefficiencies and losses. The use of tractors and ground sprayers poses risks to crop integrity and incurs high operational costs. These methods also demand significant labor input and are challenged by adverse weather conditions. During wet conditions, tractors may struggle to operate, further delaying critical farming tasks and potentially impacting crop health. In contrast, drones provide a nimble and efficient alternative, capable of addressing many of these pain points through advanced technology and precision application. Wheel track damage: While the tractor is spraying between lines, it may damage approximately 5.3% of crops, reducing yield by about €79.5-119.25 per hectare per season in Romania during 2023.(Calculation: 5.3% damage * €500/ton * 3-4.5 tons/ha = €79.5-119.25/ha/season). 5.3% damage: (40 cm width per wheel * 2 wheels * 1000 m field length = 800 sqm, divided by 15 m spray width * 1000 m field length).  Low efficiency: Capable of covering only 25-30 hectares per day over a 10-hour period with a Massey Ferguson 3650.  High labor requirements and costs: €50 per day for a tractor driver, plus an additional €50 for another driver to bring water needed for mixing chemicals. Due to small field sizes (1-30 ha), frequent transfers are necessary, requiring €50 for three additional helpers to measure the 15 m spray width per tractor lacking GNSS navigation. This results in 2-5 workers needed, increasing costs significantly.  Increased fuel consumption: Costs €12.96 per hectare (1.62€/L * 200 L diesel/25 ha).  Water wastage by ground sprayers: Consumes 400-500 L/ha after mixing with chemicals, creating a challenging farming situation due to water scarcity in countries like Romania in 2024. Farmers must repeatedly transport water, reducing spraying efficiency.  Post-rain waiting period: Requires at least 1-2 days before the tractor can enter the field for spraying, preventing it from getting stuck in muddy terrain but potentially limiting healthy rapeseed growth.  Difficulty accessing fields during late growth stages: Tractors struggle to enter fields, leading farmers to abandon pest prevention or control, potentially decreasing rapeseed yield. The Advantages of Adopting Drone Technology for Rapeseed Farming Drone technology in agriculture presents a suite of solutions to overcome these traditional challenges. For starters, agricultural drones can operate without damaging crops, as fly over the plants ensuring zero contact. This not only preserves the integrity of the crops but also increases potential yield by eliminating losses due to wheel track damage. Furthermore, drones significantly save on labor and fuel; they require only one to two operators and use less fuel than tractors. Additionally, drones conserve water by using precise spraying techniques, ultimately reducing chemical waste and promoting sustainable farming practices.   Benefit Data or Examples No crop damage and yield loss caused by wheel track The drone can bring €79.5-119.25/ha/season more income for the farmer Significantly save chemical fuel compared to ground sprayers Averagely €0.81/ha is required, saving 93% of fuel cost compared to that used by a tractor. Ps: €0.81/ha = (€1.62/L gasoline * 25 L gasoline/50 ha used) Decreasing labor requirement and cost on the farm 1-2 persons are enough for T30 or T50 operation, costing €50-100, while a tractor costs €100-250 (2-5 persons required) Higher efficiency than small & middle-sized ground sprayers Reaching 50-80 ha/day, Tractor: 25-30 ha/day, with an increased efficiency of 66-220% Saving water resources, alleviating agricultural water problems Agricultural drone: 10-20 L/ha; Tractor: 400-500 L/ha, saving about 95%. Tractors use much water per hectare (e.g., 400 L/ha after mixing with chemicals), causing efficiency loss due to water transport needs Timely response minimizes potential losses by doing post-rain spraying Only 1-2 hours after rain, the drone can start the spraying work Drone Application Opportunities in Rapeseed Farming Throughout the rapeseed life cycle, there are numerous occasions where drones can provide immense value. During the germination and leaf development stages, drones can apply pre- and post-emergence herbicides, effectively managing weed growth. Moving into the flowering and pod development stages, drones can administer fungicides and insecticides, ensuring plant health and optimizing growth conditions. At the ripening stage, drones can be used for the precise application of fertilizers, promoting robust crop development. This versatility demonstrates the critical role drones can play at every phase of rapeseed farming.   Growth Stage Name Type of Spraying GS0 (Germination and emergence) Pre-and post-emergence herbicide spraying GS1 (Leaf development) Pre-and post-emergence herbicide spraying GS2 (Side-shoot formation) Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying GS3 (Stem elongation/extension) Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying GS5 (Inflorescence/flower-bud emergence) Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying GS6 (Flowering) Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying GS7 (Pod/seed (fruit) development) Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying GS8 (Pod/seed (fruit) ripening) Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying GS8 (Pod/seed (fruit) ripening) Cover crop seeding GS9 (Senescence) Cover crop seeding Best Practices for Rapeseed Spraying with Drones To maximize the benefits of drones in rapeseed farming, it is essential to follow best practices. It’s recommended to operate drones at a height of 3-3.2 meters above the crop with route spacing of 6-6.5 meters and a flight speed of 20-25 km/h for optimal results. Constant consultation with agronomists and adherence to chemical labels will further enhance these operations. Parameter DJI Agras T40/T50 (Herbicide) DJI Agras T40/T50 (Insecticide/Fungicide/Foliar Fertilizer) DJI Agras T30 (Herbicide) DJI Agras T30 (Insecticide/Fungicide/Foliar Fertilizer) Application Rate (L/ha) 15-25 10-20 15-25 10-20 Droplet Size (µm) 250-400 100-300 XR110015VS…

DJI Agriculture Annual Report Finds the Global Agricultural Drone Industry is Booming

DJI Agriculture Annual Report Finds the Global Agricultural Drone Industry is Booming Over 300,000 drones operate globally, treating more than 500 million hectares of farmland around the world.   https://youtu.be/hdOPapmBAo8 July 10, 2024 — DJI Agriculture, a global leader in facilitating agricultural innovation through drone technology, unveils its Agriculture Drone Industry Insight Report (2023/2024), showcasing a booming global agricultural drone industry in 2023. Covering policy initiatives and emerging drone applications, the report offers a comprehensive overview to navigate the evolving landscape of agricultural drone technology for 2023/2024.   “DJI Agriculture aims to boost farmland management efficiency by leveraging digital solutions and intelligent drones, all while prioritizing environmental sustainability,” stated Yuan Zhang, Head of Global Sales at DJI Agriculture. “This report highlights that governments and farmers worldwide are embracing agriculture drones and smart farming techniques to enhance food production in a more scientific, sustainable, and eco-friendly manner.” Key Findings from the 2023/2024 Report The rapid adoption of agricultural drones worldwide is a testament to the transformative power of emerging technologies in the agricultural sector. By the end of 2023, over 300,000 of these drones were in operation globally, having already treated more than 500 million hectares of farmland around the world.   The remarkable efficiency of these drones has led to substantial savings, including a cumulative reduction of 210 million metric tons of water and 47,000 metric tons of pesticides. Furthermore, the implementation of agricultural drones has significantly decreased carbon emissions by 25.72 million metric tons. This reduction is equivalent to the carbon sequestration provided by 1.2 billion trees, underscoring the sustainable and eco-friendly nature of this innovative approach to modern agriculture. Global Policy Trends The report notes that governments in several countries have begun to liberalize regulations. In Brazil, the ANAC amended regulations to only require drone registration and pilot licensing before operations can begin. In the US, the FAA published an approval list of agricultural drones that can be used directly with exemptions. China has issued regulations allowing drone pilots to be trained by manufacturers. “We are excited about these advancements in regulatory frameworks, as they will help to expand the use of agricultural drones and ultimately benefit farmers worldwide,” said Zhang. Best Practices The report also highlights best practices, offering valuable guidance on personnel training, drone technology, agricultural applications, and the integration of agronomy and drones. Farmers can directly refer to this guidance to implement more professional agricultural operations. Technological Advancements The report also highlights technological advancements that have contributed to the growth of the agricultural drone industry. The integration of artificial intelligence (Al) has allowed for more precise and efficient data processing and decision-making. Furthermore, developments in sensor technology have improved capabilities in precision agriculture. These advancements have not only increased efficiency but also reduced costs for farmers. Agricultural Drone Tests and Case Studies Numerous tests and case studies were documented by DJI Agriculture and its partners in 2023, including: https://youtu.be/VXCP-tOgpB8 · Drifting tests for the Agras T50 and T25 models in China, Australia, and Hungary. · Management of a 10-hectare navel orange orchard through a full growth cycle by a single farmer. · Herbicide application over agave farms in Mexico, saving 88% water and reducing costs by over $60 USD per hectare. (Video link at document’s end) · Targeted weed spraying in Australian pasture land, saving 50% on costs and reducing chemical usage by 51%. · Pesticide spraying in a 1,500-tree durian orchard in Thailand, reducing chemical usage by 20-30%. · Ripener spraying on smallholder sugarcane farms in South Africa, increasing final sugar yields by up to 1.78 tons per hectare. Conclusion DJI Agriculture’s annual report highlights significant progress in the agricultural drone industry and paves the way for future advancements. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, we aim to revolutionize modern agriculture and positively impact global food production. Stay tuned for our next update as we work towards a greener, smarter, and more efficient agricultural future.

Agriculture Drone Insurance

What you need to know about insurance for your agriculture drones Introduction Drones are rapidly revolutionizing agriculture across the world. From precision crop monitoring to targeted pesticide application, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are boosting efficiency and yields around the world and are not going away anytime soon. However, with the promise of technology comes risk. That’s why specialized agriculture drone insurance is essential for responsible and successful drone operations. The History of Aerial Application and Drone Insurance Insurance has been around for hundreds of years, but aerial application insurance is a relatively new thing. Orville and Wilbur Wright became the first people to successfully fly a powered aircraft back in 1903, and that innovation sparked a revolution in the way we do many things today. The ability to travel quickly through the air created advancements in not only travel, mail delivery, aerial surveying, and eventually space exploration, but it also opened the door to massively increase the crop yields from aerial application. Aerial application, also known as “Crop Dusting”, was first started back in 1921 by Army Air Corps pilot Lieutenant John A. Macready who successfully sprayed 6,000 Catalpa trees with lead arsenate. After that, it was only a matter of time before the aerial application industry would take off!    Things have mostly stayed the same over the past 100 years with pilots flying single engine fixed-winged airplanes to spray fields. Over time, technological innovations such as turbine engine aircraft and rotor wing aircraft were introduced into the industry and aerial application became even faster and more effective. Within the last 10-15 years, UAV’s (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles) started making their way into the market and within the last 5-7 years, they have really started to make their impact on the aerial application industry. DJI is the world’s largest drone manufacturer and has made huge strides in changing the landscape. With thousands of spray drones entering the market, it has altered the way we think about aerial application as an industry.    Today, the insurance market is still adjusting to the influx of spray drones, but more and more aerial application insurance companies are starting to see the benefits of writing policies for these new aircraft. Some companies are only writing spray drones as supporting business with existing crewed aircraft accounts, while others are writing these on a stand-alone basis. All these insurance companies must make sure their customers are following the rules and regulations for these new operations and that is why only specialized insurance companies who have been re-insured with FAA compliances can write this type of business. The rules and regulations are changing every day, and it is important to make sure your insurance agent is immersed in the evolving world of the FAA and drone operation regulations. The Need for Agriculture Drone Insurance Agricultural application drones, while incredibly useful, come with inherent risks. Accidents can happen in many forms and insurance is there to protect you from the things you can and cannot foresee. It is our job as aviation insurance brokers to make sure you are protected from any and all risks that can come from your spray operation. Here are some examples of what could happen during a drone spraying operation:   – Physical damage to the drone: Crashing your drone or having a non-flying incident. – Damage to property: A drone could crash into buildings, vehicles, or other equipment. – Injuries to people: Flying the drone into someone or spraying chemicals onto bystanders. – Crop damage: Overspray damage to property of a 1st or 3rd party. – Unforeseen Incidentals: Flying a drone into powerlines causing power outages to essential facilities like hospitals, schools, refrigeration units, or government buildings. – Lawsuits: Legal protection from any lawsuit from your work as an aerial applicator.   – Pollution: Chemical spills into waterways or other environmentally protected areas. – War and Terrorism: This is always a worry when flying heavy drones which can carry large payloads. In the U.S., all insurance companies must offer War/TRIA when quoting aircraft policies. – Non-Owned Insurance: Chemical companies or other 3rd party companies who contributed to the aerial application but did not fly the operation.   These incidents can lead to significant financial losses and legal liabilities for aerial applicators. Ag spray drone insurance provides essential safeguards.  Types of Coverage on an Aerial Application Policy In an aerial application insurance policy, applicators will have a few primary coverages: Hull, Spares, Chemical Liability, and Non-Chemical Liability. The coverages that are required for legal flight in the United States are the Chemical and Non-Chemical Liability. Each state is different and has its own rules and regulations you’ll need to abide by to do aerial application in that state. For example, one state may require you to get a ground pesticide license with an aerial category to do custom application from an aircraft in that state; while others will only require you to get a pesticide license with no proof of chemical liability insurance. It is important to know the laws in the states that you are flying in and have an agent who knows what to ask for. The primary coverages of an aerial application policy are as follows: Hull Coverage – This covers the cost of repair or replacement if your drone is damaged or destroyed. – This will include physical damage coverage for your drone while in flight, and while not in flight. – You get to choose your hull limit (within reason) and that is the replacement cost to make you whole in the event of a total loss. Spare Parts – This covers the cost of repair or replacement of any equipment that is necessary for your aerial application operation that is not flying.  – Examples include: spare batteries, spreader systems (while detached), charging stations, cooling stations, generators, RTK stations, and a field opts kit. Chemical Liability – Aerial application chemical liability can be categorized into 3 types of coverage. Comprehensive Chemical (CC) This has no exclusions and will cover for herbicides and defoliants. Limited Chemical (LC) This…

T50/T25 Firmware Upgrade is Here

New features and optimizations elevate T50 and T25 efficiency and user experience Save Manual Operations as automatic plots The flight path from a manual flight or a manual boundary flight can now be saved as a field with one click for automatic use later. This is helpful for small plots, where you can fly once and save it for repeated use. Pilots can save time on larger plots by manually spraying field boundaries and automatically spraying the rest of the field.Notes: The green track on the outermost circle determines the coverage area of the plot. Ensure that the edges of the plot are covered by the green track to avoid omissions. When using this function to encircle the plot, since the edges have already been sprayed, be sure to edit and adjust the route separately (route spacing, margin, boundary spraying, etc.) to avoid overspraying or missing spots. Add Marker Lines and Points When planning flight routes, you can now add marker lines and points to points of interest on the map.   Application Examples:   Marker Lines: Can be used to mark the location of power lines within the plot, making it easier to track their location relative to the drone during operations.   Marker Points: Can be used to mark objects in fields, making it easier to locate and find them quickly after covering the soil. Notes: Unlike field boundary points and obstacle points, marker lines and points do not affect route planning or flight operations; they are only used for position display. Marker lines and points cannot be saved separately. They need to be added to boundary points and saved as a plot. Low Speed Ascend at the start point After a refill or battery swap, when the drone returns to the start point or break point, its propeller downwash at low altitude and speed may cause some crops to lodge. After enabling Low Speed Ascend, the drone can descend and spray from the set Low Speed Ascend height, reducing the risk of lodging. The start-spraying height is Operation Height plus Low Speed Ascend Height Note: Enabling Low Speed Ascend will apply to all turns and starting points (breakpoints). Please use it only where there are no obstacles at the field boundaries and in the field. Added Route Visualization function in M+ mode In M+ mode, Route Visualization helps users find the breakpoint and align the drone’s direction according to guidelines. This helps users avoid route deviation and inconsistent spacing. Note: To disable this feature, go to “Top Right Corner Settings – Aircraft Settings – Alert and Assist – Route Visualization (M+)” and choose to turn it off. Task Summary is available in real time during operations During operations, you can view task summaries in real-time, including completed work data, estimated chemical usage, and the remaining work to be done. Multi Plot Operations get some optimizations Multi Plot Operations now supports Empty Tank Point estimation and Automatic RTH.   When using Multitask, Empty Tank Point estimation can now span multiple plots, showing the estimated Empty Tank Point based on the actual volume of chemical left in the tank. In addition, users can now select “Return Home After Completing Operation” when using Multi Plot Operations. Once enabled, the drone will automatically return to home after completing all plot operations.   Note: Smart Return to Home supports obstacle avoidance, but the success rate of obstacle avoidance varies with different speeds and obstacles. Please pay attention to the surrounding environment and avoid heights with power lines during return to ensure safety. Introducing Show Fields Nearby to help avoid overlapping The new “Show Fields Nearby” function helps users avoid overlap by displaying nearby fields on the map during field planning. It also aids in manual operations, helping to avoid accidentally entering adjacent fields. Spray/Spread When Turning on Orchard Routes With Spray/Spread When Turning enabled, the drone will continue to spray while turning, improving edge spraying effectiveness. Note: This is only effective when the orchard route planning mode is Standard. You can enable it in the remote controller app under “Route Settings – Advanced.” Additional Updates: Takeoff is prevented during refilling, enhancing safety for ground crews and operators. During flight, pilots can press the orange pause button on the remote controller. This will cause the drone to pause automatic flight and enter hover mode. After landing, propeller rotation stops two seconds faster, increasing safety and reducing downtime. Added support to perform spreading at the fixed-spot routes in Fruit Tree Operation mode. Added support to disable atomized spraying in the Fruit Tree Operation mode. Added support to set the terrain scenario and flight parameters in the Task Settings on the left side of the screen when applying the task. Optimized the display of the flight trajectory in the app. The flight routes of the latest two flights are shown in the app during the operation. Added warnings when the propellers are abnormal.