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Spray Drones vs Traditional Crop Spraying

Spraying fertilisers or pesticides on crops has traditionally been done using aeroplanes, tractor-mounted booms, or even manual sprayers.

The effective application of pesticides or fertilisers by crop spraying is of utmost importance for healthy crops. To cover large fields, farmers use traditional methods like manual spraying, tractors, or even aircraft.

Although these methods are effective, they may lead to uneven chemical use at most times. Hence, most farmers are now switching to agriculture drone spraying to nourish their crops.

How are these spray drones helpful? Agricultural drones provide many benefits, from precision spraying to minimising environmental impact. Moreover, they can also reach inaccessible locations as well as use less manpower.

What Are Traditional Crop Spraying?

Spraying fertilisers or pesticides on crops has traditionally been done using aeroplanes, tractor-mounted booms, or even manual sprayers.

Despite these traditional methods’ having a long history of success, they often result in chemical waste or uneven coverage. They may also expose farmers to dangerous chemicals in addition to polluting the environment.

Some common types of traditional crop spraying methods are as follows:

Manual Spraying- Farmers make use of handheld or backpack sprayers, which are more time-consuming.
Tractor-Mounted Sprayers- The use of large tanks and boom sprayers mounted on tractors is efficient to cover large areas. But they also pose risks of soil compaction or chemical drift.
Aircraft Spraying- Helicopters or planes more quickly spray chemicals over large fields. Even though it is effective, it often lacks precision.
Irrigation Spraying- For uniform distribution, chemicals are mixed with water to supply through irrigation systems.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Crop Spraying

Check out the benefits of traditional crop spraying!

It can cover even large fields more quickly.
Most reliable approach with proven results over a long period of time.
There are not many regulatory difficulties in traditional methods.

Some of the drawbacks of traditional crop spraying are as follows!

It often leads to more chemical wastage.
Traditional methods lack precision in spraying.
Environmental concerns.

What Are Spray Drones?

Spray drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which is designed for precision crop spraying. When compared to traditional crop spraying methods, they reduce labour costs as well as chemical waste.

How do spray drones work? Spray drones mostly come with tanks, nozzles, and GPS-guided systems. They fly over crops to precisely spray fertilisers or pesticides.

These spray drones are popular for their even coverage, reduced environmental impact, etc.

Read on some of the key features of spray drones!

Precision Spraying- Make use of GPS as well as smart technology to target specific areas to reduce chemical waste.
Automated Flight Paths- The use of pre-programmed flight paths helps to cover a large area with little human intervention.
Even Chemical Distribution- With the help of advanced nozzles, uniform chemical spraying is easy for better crop protection.
Obstacle Avoidance- Using sensors, drones can work better to avoid obstacles.
Time & Labor Efficiency- Requires less manpower to cover even large fields when compared to traditional methods.
Eco-Friendly- Decreases chemical or water use, making it safer for the environment.

Pros and Cons of Spray Drones

Here are some of the benefits of spray drones!

Minimises chemical waste with the help of precision spraying.
Spray drones have a lower environmental impact when compared to the traditional methods.
They work efficiently even in the difficult terrains.
Saves a lot of manual work.

Check out some of the drawbacks of spray drones!

Spray drones have a limited battery life.
There are some regulatory restrictions in certain regions.
Minimal technological knowledge or training is required.