Key Technical Points for Precision Pesticide Application by Agricultural Protection Drones
To achieve efficient and targeted pesticide delivery, agricultural protection drones must integrate advanced technologies with meticulous operational planning. Below are the core technical requirements:
1. Pre-Operation Preparation
- Field Mapping and Obstacle Identification
Use RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS or aerial photography to delineate precise operational zones, avoiding sensitive areas (e.g., water sources, residential zones). Mark obstacles such as power lines, trees, and poles to prevent collisions. - Equipment Calibration
Conduct test flights with clean water to verify nozzle flow rates and spray uniformity. Adjust flight parameters (altitude, speed) based on crop type and density.
2. Pesticide Selection and Formulation
- Approved Formulations
Prioritize low-toxicity, low-risk pesticides suitable for aerial application, such as water-based suspensions, microemulsions, or oil-based formulations. Avoid dusts or wettable powders that may clog nozzles. - Adjuvant Addition
Include aviation-specific adjuvants (0.5–1% of solution volume) to reduce drift and enhance droplet adhesion. Mix pesticides using a two-step dilution method to ensure uniformity.
3. Operational Parameter Optimization
- Flight Altitude and Speed
Maintain altitudes of 1.8–2.5 meters above crops to balance coverage and drift control. Adjust speed (4–6 m/s) based on crop stage and pest density. - Spray Volume and Nozzle Selection
Apply ≥1 L of solution per acre (adjusted for specific targets, e.g., ≥3 L for fall armyworm control). Use centrifugal nozzles for uniform droplet distribution or pressure nozzles for deeper penetration. - Wind and Environmental Conditions
Suspend operations if wind exceeds 5.4 m/s (Beaufort Scale 3), temperature surpasses 30°C, or relative humidity drops below 60%. Avoid spraying 2 hours before rainfall.
4. Flight Path Planning and Execution
- Route Design
Program straight, parallel flight paths with consistent altitude (deviation ≤10 cm). Use AB-point mode for simple fields or RTK-guided paths for complex terrains. - Variable-Rate Technology (VRT)
Integrate NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) sensors to adjust spray volumes in real time, targeting denser vegetation or higher pest pressures.
5. Safety and Compliance
- Regulatory Adherence
Prohibit operations in restricted airspaces. Establish buffer zones (e.g., 50–100 meters) around sensitive crops, livestock, or apiaries. - Operator Protection
Wear PPE (personal protective equipment) and avoid downwind positions during spraying. Prohibit smoking, eating, or drinking in operational areas.
6. Post-Operation Evaluation
- Quality Assurance
Monitor droplet density (≥30 droplets/cm²) and uniformity via ground sampling or drone-mounted sensors. Document flight logs, pesticide usage, and environmental conditions. - Follow-Up Actions
Reassess treatment efficacy 3–5 days post-application. Conduct supplementary treatments if pest populations persist.
By adhering to these technical standards, agricultural protection drones can maximize pesticide efficacy while minimizing environmental impact and operational risks. Continuous training for operators and adherence to regional regulations are essential for sustainable adoption.
