Drones in Precision Agriculture
Precision agriculture aims to optimise inputs (water, fertiliser, pesticides) by modulating their application according to the actual needs of each area of a plot. Drones are the ideal tool for collecting data and applying treatments precisely.
Main Applications
Crop Mapping and Vegetation Indices (NDVI)
A drone equipped with a multispectral sensor flies over plots and measures vegetation reflectance across multiple wavelengths. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) reveals:
- Water stress zones
- Nutritional deficiencies (nitrogen, magnesium)
- Early disease or pest attacks
- Crop emergence heterogeneity
A single 30-minute flight covers 50 to 100 hectares and produces a variable-rate map usable in a variable-rate sprayer.
Crop Spraying by Drone
Drone applicators (DJI Agras T40, XAG P100) apply herbicides, fungicides and insecticides with centimetric precision and water savings of 30 to 50% compared to tractor sprayers. They are particularly suited to:
- Hilly or steep terrain (terraced vineyards)
- Areas with high drift risk (stream banks)
- Wet plots where machinery cannot circulate
Note: drone spraying is subject to specific regulatory authorisations in many countries. Certified operators on Waypoint360 hold the necessary permits.
Precision Viticulture
In viticulture, drones identify missing vines, diseased plants, zones of excessive or insufficient vigour. They guide harvesting (quality zoning) and optimise fertilisation vine by vine.
Drone Seeding
Seeding of cover crops and some field crops by drone is possible on areas inaccessible to seed drills. The drone disperses seeds at controlled speed and density.
Plant Counting
For fruit and vegetable production, drones automatically count trees, plants and estimate pre-harvest yield forecasts.
Certified Agricultural Operators
Operators listed on Waypoint360 hold the relevant agri-drone certifications and operate within the legal framework for pesticide application. Ask for their certification documentation before booking.