Sunflower Farming with DJI Agriculture Drone Solutions

A complete solution guide for using DJI Agriculture drones when farming sunflowers Imagine fields of sunflowers stretching as far as the eye can see. These vibrant yellow blossoms are more than just a feast for the eyes; they hold historical and economic significance. First domesticated in the Americas, sunflower seeds found their way to Europe in the 16th century. Today, Eastern Europe dominates the global production of sunflower seeds, contributing over half of the world’s supply. In 2020, global sunflower seed production reached 50 million tonnes, highlighting the crop’s importance and the need for effective farming solutions.   Despite its importance, sunflower farming faces challenges, particularly in pest control and growth optimization. But with the introduction of DJI Agriculture drone solutions, these challenges are becoming a thing of the past. This solution guide dives into how sunflower farmers can harness the power of drones to enhance their crops, improve yield, and streamline operations. The Challenges of Traditional Sunflower Farming Limitations of Conventional Equipment   Conventional farming equipment, like tractors and airplanes, has limitations. Tractors, while effective, can be dangerous for operators and struggle with uneven terrains.   Airplane cropduster services, on the other hand, require a minimum of 1000-1500 hectares to operate efficiently, causing delays in spraying and potential yield loss. Their high operational costs and environmental impact make them less than ideal for modern farming.   Environmental Concerns   Traditional methods can also have negative environmental impacts. Droplet drift from airplanes poses risks to nearby crops, particularly when spraying desiccants or herbicides. This drift can lead to chemical contamination and environmental harm, affecting soil, air, and water resources.   Inefficient Practices   Traditional methods can be inefficient in terms of time and resources. Airplanes require specific take-off points, cannot spray at night, and often provide inadequate coverage, leading to lower yields and increased chemical use. Cropdusters are also unable to effectively cover fields with obstacles, slopes, or plots near boundaries, leading to bad coverage. The Benefits of Drones in Sunflower Farming In contrast, DJI Agriculture drones offer a suite of benefits that address these challenges head-on.   Precision and Adaptability   DJI drones excel in navigating various terrains, including fields with slopes and obstacles. Their precision reduces droplet drift significantly, thanks to downwind flow from propellers and lower flight heights. This adaptability ensures thorough coverage, whether spraying desiccants or herbicides.   Enhanced Harvest Efficiency   Drones speed up the harvest process. When using drones for desiccant spraying, farmers can harvest sunflowers 5-10 days earlier compared to airplanes. This acceleration ensures yields remain consistent and high, with a moisture content of 10-11% in sunflower seeds.   Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly   Drones are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional methods. By reducing chemical use by 25%, farmers save approximately $6 per hectare. Additionally, drones protect the environment by minimizing chemical drift and allowing spraying during optimal conditions, such as cooler nighttime temperatures. Benefit of Drones: Data or Examples: Adaptable to different terrains Radar and vision sensors allow for Terrain Following over slopes and hills Limited droplet drift Lower flight height and propeller downwash help minimize chemical drift Faster harvest after spraying desiccant Drone: Harvest in 10-15 days; Airplane: 20 days; Speeds up by 5-10 days Lower moisture content in sunflower seeds Drone: 10-11%; Airplane: 13-14% Ensures a normal yield Average yield of 3.1 ton/ha; Airplane yield generally 0.8-4 ton/ha Saves on chemical use Drone: 1.5 L/ha (SPORTAK) at $11.90 USD per liter; Airplane: 2 L/ha; Saves 6 USD/ha Protects the environment For 1000 ha, reduces chemical drift and uses 500 L less desiccant Can spray at any time Allows spraying during the day and at night for increased efficiency and efficacy Drone Application Opportunities in Sunflower Farming Utilizing DJI Agriculture drones unlocks a range of strategic opportunities for sunflower farmers throughout the crop’s growth cycle. Drones can be integrated into various stages of sunflower growth for improved productivity. https://nuseed.com/eu/sunflower-growth-stages/ Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Herbicide Application   Before the V4 growth stage, drones can apply pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides. This stage is crucial for controlling weeds and ensuring healthy crop development.   Fertilizer and Fungicide Spraying   Between the V4 and R8 growth stages, drones can apply foliar fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides. This targeted approach enhances nutrient uptake and prevents diseases like downy mildew and some insects.   Desiccant Spraying for Efficient Harvest   At the R9 stage, drones are ideal for desiccant spraying. Their precision ensures even application, leading to earlier harvests and better yield quality. Best Practices for Drone Use in Sunflower Farming To maximize the benefits of drone-assisted farming, adhere to best practices.   Optimal Settings for Insecticide and Fungicide Spraying   When using drones like the T40 or T50 for insecticide, fungicide, and foliar fertilizer spraying, set the application rate at 8-12 L/ha. Maintain a droplet size of 200-350µm, flight speed of 25-36 km/h, and route spacing of 8-9 meters. Keep the drone 3.5-4 meters above the crop.   Effective Desiccant Spraying Techniques   For desiccant applications, adjust the settings to 10-15 L/ha, with a droplet size of 100-300µm, flight speed of 21-28 km/h, and route spacing of 7-8 meters. Maintain the same height above the crop as with insecticide spraying.   Herbicide Spraying Recommendations   Herbicide spraying requires a coarser droplet size of 350-500µm to limit drift. Use an application rate of 10-15 L/ha, with a flight speed of 21-28 km/h and route spacing of 7-8 meters. Insecticide & Fungicide & Foliar Fertilizer spraying: Parameters Drone Model T40/T50 Application Rate (gal/acre) or (L/ha) 8-12 L/ha Droplet Size (µm) 200-350 µm Flight Speed (km/h) 25-36 km/h Route Spacing (m) 8-9 m Height Above the Crop (m) 3.5-4 m Desiccant spraying: Parameters Drone Model T40/T50 Application Rate (gal/acre) or (L/ha) 10-15 L/ha Droplet Size (µm) 100-300 µm Flight Speed (km/h) 21-28 km/h Route Spacing (m) 7-8 m Height Above the Crop (m) 3.5-4 m Herbicide spraying: Parameters Drone Model T40/T50 Application Rate (gal/acre) or (L/ha) 10-15 L/ha Droplet Size (µm) 350-500 µm Flight Speed (km/h) 21-28 km/h…