A complete solution guide for using Stark Flight Agriculture drones when managing grape vineyards
In the world of agriculture, vineyards hold a special place, not only for their historical significance but also for the unique challenges they present to modern farmers. The history of grape cultivation dates back thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of winemaking found between 6000 and 5000 BC. From the ancient Greeks who first mastered wine production, to today’s high-tech vineyards, the art of grape cultivation has evolved dramatically over the millennia.
Today, vineyards cover approximately 75,866 square kilometers worldwide, producing grapes for wine, table consumption, and dried fruits. With 71% of grapes used for winemaking, vineyards are crucial to both local economies and global markets, making innovation in vineyard management essential.
Today, drones are not just a futuristic idea; they’re a reality transforming viticulture as we know it. This solution guide covers everything you need to know about using drones to tend to your vineyards.
Top 20 grape producing countries in 2012. faostat.fao.org
The Challenges of Traditional Vineyard Management
The significance of vineyards extends beyond their historical roots. In the late 19th century, European vineyards faced a devastating blow from the Great French Wine Blight, caused by the grape pest phylloxera, which nearly eradicated the entire grape species. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of vineyards to pests and underscored the necessity for effective management. Traditionally, vineyard management relies on manual labor and machinery like tractors, each presenting its own set of challenges.
Weather Conditionality
Tractors, for instance, are limited by weather conditions and terrain, often getting stuck in muddy soil or failing to penetrate dense foliage effectively. If it has rained, farmers must wait at least two days for the ground to solidify, so tractors won’t get trapped in mud or slip on the vineyard slopes.
Inefficiency and Cost
The inefficiency of traditional methods is another significant drawback. For example in Romania, a tractor can only cover 4-5 hectares of vineyards per day, consuming large amounts of water and chemicals, which is both costly and environmentally unfriendly.
Inadequate Spray Penetration
Spray droplets from tractors typically remain on the upper leaves, resulting in lower efficacy, particularly for fungicides.
Risks to Human Operators
Traditional farming methods also pose risks to operators, who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals and physically demanding conditions. These challenges highlight the need for a more efficient, safer, and sustainable approach to vineyard management.
Benefits of Drone Adoption in Vineyards
Enhanced Efficiency and Coverage
| Benefits | Data |
| Significant chemical savings | 30%-40% savings compared to ground sprayers |
| Better coverage on plants | Fine droplets (Min 50 μm) and high flow rate (Max 24 L/min) |
| Water resource savings | Drone: 50-70 L/ha, Tractor: 350-500 L/ha, saving 80-90% of water |
| Effective droplet penetration | Powerful downwash from drone’s propellers ensures coverage on both sides of grape leaves |
| Higher efficiency than small & middle-sized sprayers | Drone: 22 ha/day, Tractor: 4-5 ha/day, increasing efficiency by 340-450% |
| Overcoming terrain limitations | Dual Phased Array Radar allow for Terrain Following over slopes |
| Timely response for post-rain spraying | Drone can start spraying 2-3 hours after rain, while a tractor requires at least 2 days delay |
Drone Application Opportunities in Vineyard Management
Lifecycle Management
Drones offer various applications throughout the vineyard lifecycle, from budburst to berry ripening. They can be used for spraying insecticides, fungicides, and miticides, ensuring optimal grape health.
Typically, apply sprays twice a month and cease spraying 1 to 1.5 months prior to harvest to adhere to chemical safety intervals. For specific guidance, please consult with your agronomist.
Rapid Response and Adaptability
Another advantage is the drones’ ability to operate efficiently shortly after rain, minimizing potential losses. Their adaptability to different terrains, like slopes, makes them invaluable for varied vineyard landscapes.
https://www.wsetglobal.com/knowledge-centre/blog/2021/june/22/the-lifecycle-of-a-vine/
Best Practices for Using Drones in Vineyards
Choosing the Right Drone
Selecting the appropriate drone model is crucial for effective vineyard management. Models like the Stark Flight T40 and T30 are equipped with features that cater to different vineyard needs.
Optimal Flight Parameters
Adhering to best practices for flight parameters is essential. See the tables below for specific recommended flight parameters:
| Drone Model T40 / T50 | |
| Application Rate (gal/acre) or (L/ha) | 50 – 70 L/ha |
| Droplet Size (µm) | 70 – 200 μm |
| Flight Speed (km/h) | 18 – 22 km/h |
| Route Spacing | 4 – 6 meters |
| Height Above the Crop | 2.5 – 3.5 meters |
| Drone Model T30 | |
| Application Rate (gal/acre) or (L/ha) | 50 – 70 L/ha |
| Nozzle type | XR11001VS / TXVK04 |
| Flight Speed (km/h) | 13 – 18 km/h |
| Route Spacing | 3 – 5 meters |
| Height Above the Crop | 2 – 2.5 meters |
Case Study in Romania
Timeline: April 26th – July 18th, 2024
Location: Drăgășani, Olt, Romania
The Riagro team, renowned for their local spraying services, collaborated with Drăgăș Domain, a vineyard boasting 14 years of cultivation history, to evaluate the efficacy of the Stark Flight Agras T50 in vineyard treatments. Over the course of seven applications, the trial demonstrated significant benefits.
Chemical Savings:
Throughout the spraying period with Stark Flight Agras, a reduction of 30-40% in chemical usage was achieved compared to the amounts specified on the labels. With the average chemical cost ranging from 1000-2000 RON (200-400 €) per hectare per application, this translates to savings of 420-1120 € per hectare over the seven sprayings, effectively lowering vineyard management costs with minimal investment yet high efficacy.
Labor Cost Reduction:
Using Drăgăș Domain as a case study, employing the Stark Flight Agras results in a spraying service fee of 70 € per hectare, amounting to 490 € for seven sprayings per season. In contrast, traditional tractor-spraying incurs a cost of 680 € per hectare for the same period (factoring in a 7000 RON monthly salary and spraying twice over 7.2 hectares). Consequently, labor costs are reduced by 190 € per hectare in 2024.
Enhanced Coverage:
The powerful downwash from the drone’s propellers ensures thorough droplet penetration, effectively covering the plant’s entire surface, even the underside of leaves. This capability enhances the prevention and control of diseases typically found on the leaf’s backside.
Conclusion
The integration of drone technology in vineyard management marks a modern renaissance in viticulture. By enhancing efficiency, conserving resources, and overcoming traditional limitations, drones are proving to be an indispensable tool for grape growers worldwide. For vineyard owners and agricultural innovators, adopting drone technology offers a pathway to more sustainable and productive grape cultivation. To explore further, consider consulting with drone technology experts to tailor solutions to your specific vineyard needs.