Industry Standards and Specifications for Agricultural Protection Drones

As agricultural protection drones become integral to modern farming, standardized regulations ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Below is an overview of key national, industry, and operational standards governing their use:

1. National Regulatory Framework

• Flight Management Regulations
  According to China’s Provisional Regulations on the Management of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Flight (State Council and Central Military Commission Decree No. 761), agricultural drones are classified as specialized for farming operations. Key rules include:
  • Flight Parameters: Limited to a maximum altitude of 30 meters, ground speed of 50 km/h, and radius of 2,000 meters.
  • Operator Requirements: Mandatory实名登记 (real-name registration) and operator certification via manufacturer training (no general aviation license required).
  • Insurance: Compulsory hull and third-party liability insurance; fines apply for non-compliance.
  • Airspace: Prohibited from entering restricted zones without permission; flight plans must be reported via integrated supervision platforms.
• Product Standards
  • **GB/T 43071-2023*: Defines technical requirements, testing methods, and safety protocols for agricultural drones, including spraying systems, flight control, and environmental adaptability.
  • **GB/T 25415-2010*: Outlines operational procedures for aerial pesticide application, emphasizing safety and environmental impact mitigation.
  • **GB 10395.6-2006*: Specifies safety standards for plant protection machinery, including drones, to prevent operator hazards.

2. Industry-Specific Standards

• **NY/T 4258—2022*: Sets quality benchmarks for drone spraying operations, covering uniformity of pesticide application, fog drop density, and operational effectiveness.
• **NY/T 4259—2022*: Details safety protocols for pesticide application, including operator qualifications, equipment calibration, and emergency procedures.
• **NY/T 3682—2020*: Focuses on technical guidelines for defoliant application in cotton fields using drones, ensuring efficacy and safety.

3. Operational Requirements

• Environmental Conditions
  • Weather: Optimal operations occur in wind speeds ≤3 (Beaufort scale), temperatures 5–35°C, and relative humidity ≥40%. Avoid rain, fog, or extreme heat.
  • Terrain: Clear obstacles (e.g., power lines, trees) within 10 meters of the flight path. Avoid sensitive areas like water sources or residential zones.
• Pesticide Selection
  • Use drone-compatible formulations (e.g., microemulsions, soluble concentrates). Mix ≤3 pesticides at a time, and apply within 3 hours of preparation. Add adjuvants to improve雾滴沉降 (droplet deposition) and reduce drift.
• Equipment Checks
  • Verify battery charge, nozzle functionality, and leak-free tanks before flight. Calibrate spray systems for accurate flow rates.

4. Safety and Emergency Protocols

• Operator Qualifications
  Operators must pass manufacturer training and hold valid certificates. Prohibited personnel include minors, pregnant women, and individuals under medication affecting judgment.
• Protective Gear
  Wear goggles, respirators, and protective clothing during operations, especially when handling toxic pesticides.
• Emergency Response
  • Equipment Failure: Activate return-to-home protocols if drones lose signal or battery power.
  • Accidents: Report incidents to local agricultural authorities immediately; document causes for corrective actions.

5. Quality Control and Evaluation

• Pre-Flight Testing
  Deploy雾滴测试卡 (water-sensitive paper) to measure droplet density (≥20 droplets/cm² for systemic pesticides, ≥30 for non-systemic).
• Real-Time Monitoring
  Track flight speed, altitude, and pesticide volume during operations. Adjust parameters if deviations exceed 10% of preset values.
• Post-Flight Assessment
  • Efficacy: Survey fields within 7 days of application to assess pest control. Re-treat underperforming areas manually if needed.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Clean drones and tanks thoroughly to prevent residue buildup. Store in dry, ventilated areas away from corrosive materials.

6. Sustainability and Compliance

• Eco-Friendly Practices
  Minimize chemical drift by maintaining low flight altitudes (2–4 meters above crop canopy) and using anti-drift nozzles. Dispose of waste pesticides per GB 12475-2006 guidelines.
• Record-Keeping
  Maintain logs of flight paths, pesticide usage, and maintenance activities for audits and quality improvement.

Conclusion

Adherence to these standards ensures that agricultural protection drones operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. By integrating technical specifications, operational guidelines, and safety protocols, stakeholders can maximize the benefits of drone technology while mitigating risks to humans, crops, and the environment. Continuous updates to these standards will reflect advancements in drone technology and evolving agricultural practices.