It used to be the case that running a farm required long days of back-breaking labor just to break even. These days, agricultural operations have changed and modern technology has facilitated a switch to less labor-intensive and more efficient models. Read on to find out about the benefits of drones for farmers to see how 21st-century technology has begun to revolutionize the agricultural industry.
1. Improved Accuracy of Maps
The process of drone photogrammetry allows farmers access to orthomosaics, which are highly accurate maps that offer far more information than traditional aerial photographs. The data from these specialized maps can include topographical information, data gathered from RGB, thermal, and multispectral cameras, and more. Access to the data created with drone mapping software makes it easier to identify problems early and reduce any negative impacts they may create.
2. Increased Yields
Farmers know that there are a lot of variables that impact crop yields. From soil condition to irrigation consistency and the prevalence of plant diseases in a given season, all factors must be kept at optimal levels for crops to truly thrive. Drones can help with not just monitoring crops but also ensuring that all conditions are optimal for maximum growth by facilitating otherwise arduous or dangerous tasks like rock picking, spraying, and more.
3. Saved Time
Using smart technology in agriculture and hiring drone services to complete tasks that would be more challenging and time-consuming when performed by hand helps farmers focus on more important aspects of managing their operations. Drones are far more time-efficient when it comes to creating maps, surveying fields, and spraying crops than people on the ground could possibly be. All that saved time also means less money spent on labor, so farmers almost always wind up saving more than they spend to hire drone operators or purchase their own equipment.
4. Protection for the Environment
Agricultural drones aren't just good for farmers and their bottom lines. They also help to protect local ecosystems. Gathering accurate data about crop health and applying only those nutrients, pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals required to ensure an optimal yield reduces runoff and using drones instead of tractors to perform basic tasks in the fields helps to keep fossil fuel usage low.
The Future of Agriculture?
The future of agriculture is here, and it is being ushered in by unmanned drones. These vital machines are already helping farmers increase their yields while simultaneously decreasing inputs and reducing the costs, both financial and environmental, associated with traditional farming. Now is the time to get up to speed and start taking advantage of this thoroughly modern technology.
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