A Berkshire-based company specializing in drone services for farmers has reported a significant surge in interest from the agricultural sector. The unmanned aircraft, equipped with advanced technology, are currently being used to spray fertilizer and sow seeds, offering a modern alternative to traditional farming methods.
The primary advantage of using drones lies in their ability to operate without the need for heavy machinery on the ground. This helps to mitigate issues such as soil compaction, which can adversely affect crop growth. While current regulations prohibit the use of drones for pesticide application, industry experts are optimistic that approval for airborne chemical treatments may be granted in the future.
Steve Frost, director of SAS Land Services, highlighted the seasonal benefits of aerial farming. “We can get out there earlier in the season when the crops actually need fertilizer,” he explained. “If it is too wet to put a tractor out there, or a tractor would be too heavy and cause too much damage.” The drones are designed with interchangeable payloads, allowing them to dispense both liquid fertilizers and seeds.
The company’s drone services have seen a substantial increase in demand. In its inaugural year in 2024, the company serviced approximately 800 acres of farmland. This year, that number has risen to 3,500 acres. Frost emphasized the environmental benefits of using drones, noting that they run on electric batteries and consume significantly less fuel compared to traditional tractors. “We’re using a lot less fuel per day compared to a tractor out there doing the same thing,” he said.
The drones are capable of lifting a 50kg payload and can be operated either manually or programmed to follow a predetermined route. Advanced mapping data, including boundary points and obstacles, can be uploaded to the drone’s system. Additionally, onboard radar and cameras continuously scan the surroundings, while artificial intelligence calculates the most efficient route to cover the field.
One of the most promising aspects of drone technology in agriculture is the potential for targeted chemical treatments. If approved, spraying drones could focus on specific areas of a crop that require attention, identified by smaller mapping drones equipped with multispectral lenses. “We can detect plant health using these cameras, things that you might not see through the naked eye,” Frost said.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. By reducing the need for heavy machinery, drones can help minimize soil disturbance and lower emissions. This not only benefits the environment but also offers farmers a more efficient and potentially cost-effective method of managing their crops. As the technology continues to evolve and regulations adapt, the agricultural sector may see a significant shift towards aerial farming methods.