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.
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 |
| Route Spacing (m) | 7-8 m |
| Height Above the Crop (m) | 3.5-4 m |
Notes:
1. Desiccants like Diquat is a kind of contact chemical, so generally the droplet size should be smaller so the coverage is better. However, watch out the wind speed and wind direction and crops nearby.
2. The parameters including droplet size should be adjusted based on the temperature and humidity; if it is hot or the humidity is low, the application rate and droplet size could be greater.
3. The herbicide droplet size generally should be coarse to limit drifting and to protect the environment and crops nearby.
4. Do a test in a small area before a big area spraying. The parameters above are based on a case in Kazakhstan. You may need to change the application rate for local conditions.
Real World Sunflower Success with DJI Drone Solutions
Time: September 19-21, 2024
Location: Volchanka, Shemonaikha, East Kazakhstan
In a decisive trial held in East Kazakhstan, Dizel Agro, a renowned local spraying service team, conducted a comparison of desiccation efficacy between the Agras T50 drone and traditional airplane methods over an area of 389 hectares. The primary objectives of this trial were to evaluate the potential reductions in chemical costs, lower seed moisture levels, and ultimately increase farmer income.
The results were impressive, with the drone’s advanced capabilities yielding significant benefits. The powerful downwash effect from the drone’s propellers ensured effective droplet penetration. In addition, its advanced radar system allowed it to adeptly navigate the slopes of the sunflower fields. This led to achieving a 3% reduction in seed moisture compared to the airplane method, while maintaining a similar gross weight.
This moisture reduction translated into an income increase of $11,830 for the farmer, calculated based on the sunflower yield of 3.1 tons per hectare at $327 per ton across the 389-hectare trial area. Moreover, the use of the T50 drone resulted in saving 0.5 liters per hectare of desiccant, amounting to an additional cost saving of $2,295, considering the chemical price of approximately $11.9 per liter. In total, the T50 application generated an additional $14,125 for the farmer.
Furthermore, the sunflowers treated with the Agras T50 were ready for harvest 10-15 days post-application, which is 5-10 days faster than the traditional airplane method that typically requires 20 days. This case study illustrates the potential for drones to enhance agricultural efficiency and profitability, delivering tangible economic advantages for farmers in East Kazakhstan.
Conclusion
In the world of agriculture, staying ahead means adapting to new technologies. DJI Agriculture drone solutions offer sunflower farmers innovative ways to overcome traditional challenges, improve efficiency, and protect the environment. By following best practices, farmers can optimize sunflower growth and yield, securing a sustainable future for their crops. For those ready to take the next step, consider exploring DJI’s range of drones to revolutionize your sunflower farming experience.
