Vineyard spraying in Romania is getting a futuristic upgrade, thanks to advanced drone technology. Imagine managing your vineyard with precision, efficiency, and sustainability—all made possible by the Stark Flight Agras drones. This case study from Romania focuses on how vineyard owners are revolutionizing their spraying practices with drones. Whether you’re an agricultural innovator, a modern farmer, or simply a tech enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will give you valuable insights into drone applications in viticulture.
Romanian Wine Country
Our case study focuses on a vineyard located in Romania, a country known for its rich viticultural heritage. The vineyard is situated on a slope, presenting unique challenges for traditional spraying methods. The region experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures in July ranging from 21.5°C to 22°C.
Grapes are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly affect yield and quality. Efficient spraying is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the vineyard.
Challenges in Vineyard Management
The challenges faced by vineyard owners in Romania are multifaceted. The sloped terrain makes it difficult to use traditional tractors for spraying, especially after rain. Additionally, the volume of water required for spraying is substantial, the challenge of which can be compounded when water sources are located far from the slopes. Time-consuming operations and the inability to spray at night further complicate matters.
The primary goal of introducing drone technology in this vineyard is to reduce pesticide consumption while maintaining or improving crop health and yield. Drones offer a solution that addresses both the efficiency and sustainability aspects of vineyard management.
Shortcomings of Traditional Techniques
Before the introduction of drones, vineyard owners relied on tractors for spraying. This method was not only time-consuming but also impractical for the sloped terrain and post-rain conditions.
Traditional Methods
- Tractors were the primary tools for spraying.
- Manual labor was required to operate the tractors, adding to the costs.
- Water consumption was high, and sourcing water was challenging due to the depth of the water source.
Time and Cost
- Without drones, spraying the entire vineyard would take 3-4 days.
- The cost of manual labor and water was significantly higher.
- Traditional methods were impractical for nighttime operations and post-rain conditions.
Meet Vineyard Owner Vladimir
The end-user in this case study is Vladimir Potiuc, a 70-year-old vineyard owner and HORECA business owner. Vladimir is a tech-savvy individual who recognizes the advantages of modern technology. He learned about Stark Flight Agriculture drones at a tradeshow where he met representatives from Stark Flight Agriculture dealer Drone Box. This season, when encountering a critical period where he needed to spray his vineyards, Vladimir found he was unable to deploy his tractor because of the slopes softened from recent rains. He called Drone Box and took them up on their services.
The Drone Operation
Vladimir’s vineyard ultimately relied on drones during the entire 2024 vineyard spraying season, where a Stark Flight Agras T50 was used. This model was chosen for its advanced features, which were crucial for the operation’s success.
Advantages of Stark Flight Agras Drones
- Time saved compared to traditional methods.
- Cost savings due to reduced chemical usage.
- Reduced chemical usage, promoting sustainability.
Essential Features
- Terrain Following for effective operations over slopes.
- Adjustable Droplet Size for precise application.
- Obstacle Sensing to avoid damage and ensure safety.
Operation Workflow
The workflow with the Stark Flight Agras drone was seamless and efficient, covering flight planning, data capture, analysis, and spraying.
Operation Parameters
| Drone Model T40/T50 | |
| Operation Mode (Automatic or Manual) | Automatic |
| Application Rate (L/ha) | 50-90 L/ha |
| Droplet Size (µm) | 70 – 250 μm |
| Flight Speed (km/h) | 22 km/h |
| Route Spacing (m) | 4 m |
| Height Above the Crop (m) | 2.5-3 m |
| Total Operation Duration | 2.5 hours |
Results and Benefits
The drone intervention brought numerous benefits, significantly improving the vineyard’s operations compared to untreated controls.
Key Benefits
| Benefit | Before Drones | After Drones |
| Chemical amount used per operation | 241.64 liters or kg | 111.84 liters or kg |
| Spray Time | 3-4 days | 2.5 hours |
| Cost on manual labor | 320 EUR | 80 EUR |
- Cost Reductions: Up to 70% in pesticide application costs.
- Spray Time: Reduced from 3-4 days to 2.5 hours.
- Chemical Usage: Substantially decreased, promoting sustainability.
Customer Testimony
“Drone Box completed spraying of the entire vineyard. I am impressed and very satisfied with the results, especially the reduction in pesticide costs and total use.” – Vladimir Potiuc, Vineyard Owner
Satisfaction and Future Plans
Vladimir plans to either purchase his own drone or continue hiring Drone Box for 100% of the spraying operations, given the tremendous benefits observed.
Conclusion
The adoption of drone technology in vineyard spraying is transforming traditional farming practices in Romania. The Stark Flight Agras T50 drone has proven to be a game-changer, offering efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. For vineyard owners and agricultural innovators, integrating drones into their operations is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Explore the future of viticulture with drone technology and take your vineyard management to the next level. For more insights and personalized advice, consider reaching out to our experts and see how drones can revolutionize your farming practices.