Precision Agriculture
At the University of Delaware we are interested in how precision ag technologies can make farms more economically and environmentally efficient. This includes drones (UAV), variable rate equipment (planters, applicators and irrigation), sensors, and yield monitors
In the News: |
Journal Articles: |
Delmarva Farmer, July 13, 2018:
Drone Work Covers Two Bases Delmarva Farmer, August 17, 2018: Employing Drones For Scouting Lancaster Farmer, August 24, 2018: Drone Use in Agriculture Offers Potential |
Agronomy Journal, November 2020
Monitoring winter wheat growth at different heights using aerial imagery Agriculture and Environmental Letters, June 2022
Post-harvest drone flights to measure weed growth and yield associations. Crop and Environment, November 2023
Sensor-based measurements of NDVI in small grain and corn fields by tractor, drone, and satellite platforms. |
Drones in Agriculture
Using Drones for Field Crop Production
Drone Types for Production Agriculture
Download PDF Selecting a Drone for Crop Scouting
Download PDF Crop Scouting Using Drone Imagery in Delaware Soybean Fields (AR-105)
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Plot Data Analyses
Creating a Grid Plot Map in AutoCAD Civil3D
Download PDF |
Rotary/CopterSimilar to an a helicopter, but most commercial versions of this drone have more than one rotor. A common version is the quadcopter, which has four rotors to help move horizontally and vertically. Because it has more rotors, it also drains the battery faster. These can take off and land in small spaces, so they are ideal for scouting smaller acreage.
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Fixed WingThese drones are similar to an airplane, where they often have one propeller and use lift and drag to stay in the air. This allows a fixed wing to use less battery power, so they stay in the air longer. You will also need more space to take off and land, so tight spaces will be tougher and require more skill.
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Drones as a Scouting Tool Webinar
Solar Noon and When to Fly Tools
Although the general recommendation is between 2 hours before and after solar noon, there will be differences in sun angle depending on your latitude. Another recommendation has been to stay above 30° sun angle to avoid shadows, which is easier to do the closer you are to the equator for winter flights.
UC Davis When to Fly Tool
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Uses for Agriculture
Scouting: Want a quick look at a field without having to walk the field? UAVs are great, and move about 20-30 mph, so they can cover ground faster than you can walk it. Its easier to spot weeds, deer damage, and issues with your crops from the air, especially later in the season. Scouting is best done with a standard camera using the visible spectrum. Download our factsheet on choosing a drone for scouting here: Download
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Advanced Crop Health: Some cameras are built to look for specific wavelengths(bands), such as red, red-edge or near-infrared. Because healthy and damaged crops reflect these bands differently, we can create index maps of problem areas easier. You can learn more about one type of index called NDVI on the NASA webpage.
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Issues with Drones and Cameras
Investing in a UAV and associated cameras? Not sure what to buy? As this technology and companies are new, most of us are in the same boat, investing money in products that aren't quite ready for heavy use in agriculture.
Your best bet is to purchase a cheaper quadcopter that:
For most farmers and agricultural consultants, this will get you experience and is the most economic option. Avoid cheaper drones unless you plan to use them for practice ($100-300 range) for crop scouting.
Your best bet is to purchase a cheaper quadcopter that:
- Connects to your cell phone (so you can get live feed),
- Has a camera for photos,
- Has return to home/obstacle avoidance functions.
For most farmers and agricultural consultants, this will get you experience and is the most economic option. Avoid cheaper drones unless you plan to use them for practice ($100-300 range) for crop scouting.
Legal Issues for Farmers and Consultants
Since farming is a business, you will need a remote pilots license to fly a drone over your farm. If you just fly for fun, you are probably ok, but once you use it to scout crops, you are considered a business.
Here are the basic rules straight from the FAA webpage, based on the UAS rule, often called part 107:
Pilot Requirements:
For more information, read about Remote Pilot Certification.
Aircraft Requirements:
Operating Rules:
Here are the basic rules straight from the FAA webpage, based on the UAS rule, often called part 107:
Pilot Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center+
- Must be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA)+A person who already holds a pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61 and has successfully completed a flight review within the previous 24 months can complete a part 107 online training course at www.faasafety.gov to satisfy this requirement.
For more information, read about Remote Pilot Certification.
Aircraft Requirements:
- Less than 55 lbs.
- Must be registered
Operating Rules:
- Class G airspace*
- Must keep the aircraft in sight (visual line-of-sight)*
- Must fly under 400 feet*
- Must fly during the day*
- Must fly at or below 100 mph*
- Must yield right of way to manned aircraft*
- Must NOT fly over people*
- Must NOT fly from a moving vehicle** All of these rules are subject to waiver
Resources to Study for the Exam
Want to take the exam? There is typically a testing center nearby: Knowledge Testing Centers ( PSI Website)
Here are some things to help you study for the exam:
Here are some things to help you study for the exam:
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