A complete solution guide for using Stark Flight Agriculture drones when farming rapeseed
In the world of agriculture, rapeseed stands out as a crop of tremendous global significance. Originally cultivated over 4,000 years ago in India, rapeseed has emerged as the third-largest source of vegetable oil and the second-largest source of protein meal worldwide. Its importance extends to countries like China, Canada, and India, which are top producers, collectively yielding millions of tons annually. Despite its importance, rapeseed farmers face substantial challenges using traditional farming methods, including inefficiencies, high labor costs, and potential safety risks. In this article we discuss how drones can help elevate rapeseed farming efficiency and yields.
Challenges of Traditional Rapeseed Farming
Traditional rapeseed farming often leaves farmers struggling with inefficiencies and losses. The use of tractors and ground sprayers poses risks to crop integrity and incurs high operational costs. These methods also demand significant labor input and are challenged by adverse weather conditions. During wet conditions, tractors may struggle to operate, further delaying critical farming tasks and potentially impacting crop health.
In contrast, drones provide a nimble and efficient alternative, capable of addressing many of these pain points through advanced technology and precision application.
- Wheel track damage: While the tractor is spraying between lines, it may damage approximately 5.3% of crops, reducing yield by about €79.5-119.25 per hectare per season in Romania during 2023.
(Calculation: 5.3% damage * €500/ton * 3-4.5 tons/ha = €79.5-119.25/ha/season). 5.3% damage: (40 cm width per wheel * 2 wheels * 1000 m field length = 800 sqm, divided by 15 m spray width * 1000 m field length).
- Low efficiency: Capable of covering only 25-30 hectares per day over a 10-hour period with a Massey Ferguson 3650.
- High labor requirements and costs: €50 per day for a tractor driver, plus an additional €50 for another driver to bring water needed for mixing chemicals. Due to small field sizes (1-30 ha), frequent transfers are necessary, requiring €50 for three additional helpers to measure the 15 m spray width per tractor lacking GNSS navigation. This results in 2-5 workers needed, increasing costs significantly.
- Increased fuel consumption: Costs €12.96 per hectare (1.62€/L * 200 L diesel/25 ha).
- Water wastage by ground sprayers: Consumes 400-500 L/ha after mixing with chemicals, creating a challenging farming situation due to water scarcity in countries like Romania in 2024. Farmers must repeatedly transport water, reducing spraying efficiency.
- Post-rain waiting period: Requires at least 1-2 days before the tractor can enter the field for spraying, preventing it from getting stuck in muddy terrain but potentially limiting healthy rapeseed growth.
- Difficulty accessing fields during late growth stages: Tractors struggle to enter fields, leading farmers to abandon pest prevention or control, potentially decreasing rapeseed yield.
The Advantages of Adopting Drone Technology for Rapeseed Farming
Drone technology in agriculture presents a suite of solutions to overcome these traditional challenges. For starters, agricultural drones can operate without damaging crops, as fly over the plants ensuring zero contact. This not only preserves the integrity of the crops but also increases potential yield by eliminating losses due to wheel track damage. Furthermore, drones significantly save on labor and fuel; they require only one to two operators and use less fuel than tractors. Additionally, drones conserve water by using precise spraying techniques, ultimately reducing chemical waste and promoting sustainable farming practices.
| Benefit | Data or Examples |
| No crop damage and yield loss caused by wheel track | The drone can bring €79.5-119.25/ha/season more income for the farmer |
| Significantly save chemical fuel compared to ground sprayers | Averagely €0.81/ha is required, saving 93% of fuel cost compared to that used by a tractor. Ps: €0.81/ha = (€1.62/L gasoline * 25 L gasoline/50 ha used) |
| Decreasing labor requirement and cost on the farm | 1-2 persons are enough for T30 or T50 operation, costing €50-100, while a tractor costs €100-250 (2-5 persons required) |
| Higher efficiency than small & middle-sized ground sprayers | Reaching 50-80 ha/day, Tractor: 25-30 ha/day, with an increased efficiency of 66-220% |
| Saving water resources, alleviating agricultural water problems | Agricultural drone: 10-20 L/ha; Tractor: 400-500 L/ha, saving about 95%. Tractors use much water per hectare (e.g., 400 L/ha after mixing with chemicals), causing efficiency loss due to water transport needs |
| Timely response minimizes potential losses by doing post-rain spraying | Only 1-2 hours after rain, the drone can start the spraying work |
Drone Application Opportunities in Rapeseed Farming
Throughout the rapeseed life cycle, there are numerous occasions where drones can provide immense value. During the germination and leaf development stages, drones can apply pre- and post-emergence herbicides, effectively managing weed growth. Moving into the flowering and pod development stages, drones can administer fungicides and insecticides, ensuring plant health and optimizing growth conditions. At the ripening stage, drones can be used for the precise application of fertilizers, promoting robust crop development. This versatility demonstrates the critical role drones can play at every phase of rapeseed farming.
| Growth Stage Name | Type of Spraying |
| GS0 (Germination and emergence) | Pre-and post-emergence herbicide spraying |
| GS1 (Leaf development) | Pre-and post-emergence herbicide spraying |
| GS2 (Side-shoot formation) | Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying |
| GS3 (Stem elongation/extension) | Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying |
| GS5 (Inflorescence/flower-bud emergence) | Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying |
| GS6 (Flowering) | Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying |
| GS7 (Pod/seed (fruit) development) | Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying |
| GS8 (Pod/seed (fruit) ripening) | Fungicide, insecticide, and foliar fertilizer spraying |
| GS8 (Pod/seed (fruit) ripening) | Cover crop seeding |
| GS9 (Senescence) | Cover crop seeding |
Best Practices for Rapeseed Spraying with Drones
To maximize the benefits of drones in rapeseed farming, it is essential to follow best practices. It’s recommended to operate drones at a height of 3-3.2 meters above the crop with route spacing of 6-6.5 meters and a flight speed of 20-25 km/h for optimal results. Constant consultation with agronomists and adherence to chemical labels will further enhance these operations.
| Parameter | Stark Flight Agras T40/T50 (Herbicide) | Stark Flight Agras T40/T50 (Insecticide/Fungicide/Foliar Fertilizer) | Stark Flight Agras T30 (Herbicide) | Stark Flight Agras T30 (Insecticide/Fungicide/Foliar Fertilizer) |
| Application Rate (L/ha) | 15-25 | 10-20 | 15-25 | 10-20 |
| Droplet Size (µm) | 250-400 | 100-300 | XR110015VS | XR11001VS |
| Flight Speed (km/h) | 20-25 | 20-25 | 18-20 | 20-23 |
| Route Spacing (m) | 6-6.5 | 7-9 | 5.5-6 | 6-6.5 |
| Height Above the Crop (m) | 3-3.2 | 3-3.5 | 2.2-2.5 | 2.5-3 |
- These are parameter recommendations based on general conditions. Please consult your agronomist and the chemical label to evaluate result requirements and terrain characteristics before proceeding.
Real-World Success with Stark Flight’s Drone Solutions
Date: August 1st, 2024
Location: Puieni, Giurgiu, Romania
The renowned local spraying service, Riagro, partnered with FMC to conduct a trial assessing the Agras T50’s effectiveness against two significant rapeseed pests: the Shiny Beetle (Meligetes aeneus) and the Rapeseed Stalks Gall Weevil (Ceutorhynchus napi). This trial achieved a remarkable 94% control efficacy.
Pheromone traps with adhesive were deployed in the field to capture and count adult pests. Before spraying, the average pest count was 85, which dropped to just 5 after applying the T50, demonstrating its impressive 94% efficacy. Post-spraying, both larvae and adult pests were immobilized and quickly perished.
Before intervention
After intervention
The use of spraying drones like the T50 prevents the 5.3% crop damage typically caused by tractors navigating between rows, thus saving yields. This can potentially increase crop output by 159-238 kg per hectare, translating to an income boost of €79-119 per hectare for farmers.
Unlocking the Future of Rapeseed Farming
The integration of drone technology into rapeseed farming marks a transformative shift for agricultural innovators, drone enthusiasts, modern farmers, and advocates of sustainable practices. By utilizing drones, farmers can significantly boost efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and increase crop yields, all while reducing costs and labor demands. Drones bring a level of precision, scalability, and adaptability that surpasses traditional methods.
In summary, adopting Stark Flight’s drone technology in rapeseed farming opens up new avenues for agricultural advancement. By overcoming conventional limitations and introducing cutting-edge solutions, drones place farmers at the cutting edge of modern agriculture. With improved efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and enhanced yields, drones are reshaping rapeseed farming into a sustainable and lucrative endeavor.
For those eager to harness the potential of drones in rapeseed farming, Stark Flight Agriculture provides a suite of advanced solutions designed to elevate farming practices. Discover our offerings and join the innovative farmers who are pioneering the future of agriculture.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to The Riagro team for their dedication and expertise in the field, Ferma Codrea for their innovative farming techniques, and Agrised Chemicals SRL in Romania for providing high-quality agricultural solutions.