Corn Fungicide Spraying with DJI Agriculture Drones in the US

How drones are helping US corn farmers elevate efficiency Corn farming has been the backbone of U.S. agriculture for decades, with vast fields stretching across states like Kentucky. Yet, the industry is not without its challenges. Enter agriculture drones, the latest innovation set to revolutionize how farmers manage their crops.This case study dives deep into the role of drones in corn fungicide spraying, exploring its advantages, challenges, and real-world applications. With the advent of drone technology, farmers now have a powerful tool at hand to increase convenience and cost performance. The Challenges Faced by Corn Farmers Corn is the top-produced crop in the U.S., accounting for a significant portion of the country’s agricultural output. However, corn farming is fraught with challenges such as pest infestations and fungal diseases that can severely reduce yield.Fungicides are an essential part of corn farming, protecting plants from fungal diseases that can cause significant damage. These diseases, such as Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight, can greatly reduce yield if left untreated. Traditionally, fungicide spraying has been done by ground-based equipment or crewed aircraft, both of which have limitations in terms of efficiency, cost, and accuracy. This is where drones come into play. Traditional Farming Techniques vs. Drone Technology Before the introduction of drones, farmers relied on methods like tractor-mounted sprayers and crop dusters to apply pesticides and fungicides. These techniques, while effective to some extent, come with their own set of limitations, including high costs, soil compaction, and inefficiency in complex terrains. In contrast, drones offer a more precise and targeted approach to crop spraying, reducing costs and minimizing the impact on the environment. Compared to traditional tractor technology, drones are more economical due to their high cost-effectiveness and low maintenance requirements. With user-friendly controls, they are easier to operate and manage. Unlike tractors, drones can perform operations immediately after rain, preventing delays. They also avoid crop-crushing and soil compaction, preserving the field’s integrity. Furthermore, drones are well-suited for rolling hills and small to medium-sized plots where tractors may struggle. Introducing L. Hust Farms L. Hust Farms, founded in 1950, is a prime example of how modern technology can transform traditional farming practices. Based in Kentucky and owned and operated by brothers Josh and Kyle Lancaster, the farm spans over 12,000 acres of corn and soybean fields. They began using DJI Agriculture drones in 2021 and have since experienced substantial improvements in convenience and cost performance. This case study presents findings from their 2024 season where they used drones to complete all of the fungicide applications for their corn, taking place from July 7th to August 28th. The Decision to Use DJI Agriculture Drones The Lancaster brothers first learned about DJI Agriculture drones in 2021 and quickly saw the potential benefits. They were interested in deploying a solution that could cheaply and flexible protect their crops, and that was available for use at the precise moment when needed. By 2023, they had fully integrated two DJI Agras T40 drones into their fungicide application process. The T40 models used by L. Hust Farms offer several advantages that make them ideal for corn fungicide spraying. These include convenience, reduced operational costs, and the ability to work in post-rain conditions without causing soil compaction. Application Details (2024 Fungicide Spraying Season) The fungicide application covered 10,420 acres of corn and soybean from July 7th to August 28th, with a total of 308 flying hours. The farm’s terrain featured medium sections with rolling hills and tree lines. The drone solution included two T40 drones, two DJI generators, six batteries, a DJI Relay, the DJI SmartFarm app, a custom Ag spray drone trailer, and a spreader system. Flying parameters were set at 2 GPA, a speed of 32 ft/s, a 28 ft spacing distance, a height of 10 ft, and a medium droplet size. Year Acres Covered Application Period Total Flying Hours 2023 6,574 acres July 1st to August 15th 170 hours 2024 10,420 acres July 7th to August 28th 308 hours Parameter T50 / T40 Application Rate 2 GPA (18.7 L/ha) Droplet Size 320 μm Flight Speed 32.8 ft/s (10 m/s) Route Spacing 28 ft (8.5 m) Height Above the Crop 10 ft (3 m) The Workflow for Corn Fungicide Spraying The workflow for applying fungicide is straightforward and efficient. Drone-based corn spraying involves a series of well-coordinated steps, from flight planning to data analysis and the actual spraying process. On a typical workday, the Lancasters utilize the DJI SmartFarm app to devise flight paths, ensuring maximum coverage and efficiency. Once the drone’s spray tanks are filled with a liquid fungicide mixture, the drones take off, following their predetermined routes and spraying fungicide according to set parameters. After completing the spraying, the drones return to the landing platform, where operators replace the batteries and refill the spray tanks for the next round. A Command Center to Match The Lancaster brothers deploy their T40s from the landing pads of a custom-built command center designed to facilitate efficient agriculture drone operations. Transporting two T40s to and from the field is greatly simplified thanks to this vehicle. After arriving at the field, the truck transforms with retractable platforms, offering ample space for two drones to takeoff and land.   Working from an elevated platform has many advantages. During takeoffs and landings, the separation from the ground helps minimize dust kick-up. During operations, the higher vantage point helps the Lancasters maintain visual line of sight, while maintaining an uninterrupted line for transmission between the remote controllers and the drones.   While waiting for the drones to spray a load, the brothers stay cool in the hot August weather thanks to two fans and a red umbrella that matches the truck’s cabin. Their vehicle is referred to fondly as “Optimus Prime” by DJI Agriculture Solution Engineer Michael Zhang. Recommended Flight Parameters for Corn Fungicide Spraying Successful drone operations depend on various parameters such as flight speed, operation height, and nozzle type. For L. Hust Farms, the drones operated at a speed…