Revolutionizing Coffee Farming in Brazil
Welcome to the world of Brazilian coffee farming, where tradition meets innovation. Nestled in the heart of South America’s largest country, the coffee industry is undergoing a transformation thanks to advancements in drone technology.
Brazil boasts a remarkable range of climates and growing environments for coffee, from expansive fields to steep hillsides, each presenting unique demands that influence cultivation practices and crop quality.
This case study will take you through the intricacies of growing coffee in Brazil using drones, offering invaluable insights for agricultural innovators, coffee enthusiasts, tech-savvy farmers, and modern cultivators.
The History of Coffee Farming in Brazil
Brazil has a rich history of coffee production that dates back to the 18th century. The country is the world’s largest coffee producer, contributing to approximately one-third of the global coffee supply. The fertile soils and favorable climate conditions make it an ideal location for growing high-quality coffee beans. However, the industry has faced numerous challenges over the years, from pests and diseases to fluctuating market prices.
Challenges in Brazilian Coffee Farming
Pest Infestations and Diseases
One of the most significant challenges in Brazilian coffee farming is pest infestations and diseases. Seedlings are susceptible to fungal diseases like damping-off and pests such as aphids. During the growth period, coffee trees are vulnerable to scale insects, leaf spot diseases, and aphids. The flowering and fruiting stages are particularly critical, as fruit borers and diseases like coffee rust can severely impact the yield.
Climate and Environmental Factors
The unpredictable weather patterns in Brazil also pose a challenge. Excessive rainfall can lead to fungal growth, while drought conditions can stress the plants, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests. These environmental factors necessitate effective and timely interventions to protect the crops.
Traditional Farming Techniques
Traditional methods of pest control and crop management often fall short in addressing these challenges. Manual spraying and tractor spraying have traditionally been the go-to techniques, but they come with their own set of shortcomings. Manual spraying is labor-intensive and poses health risks to workers. Tractor spraying can damage tree branches, reducing production by 5-10%.
The Advent of Drone Technology
Drone technology has emerged as a game-changer in various agricultural practices, including coffee farming. Drones offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and safer alternative to traditional farming techniques. They can cover large areas quickly, apply treatments precisely, and minimize the risk to human health.
Stark Flight Agras T40
In 2022, the Brazilian coffee industry saw a significant shift with the introduction of the Stark Flight Agras T40 drones. These drones are equipped with advanced features like adjustable droplet size and terrain-following capabilities, making them ideal for the unique challenges posed by coffee farming.
Implementing Drones in Coffee Farming
The Role of Weliton and Mario
Weliton and Mario, clients of Agridrones, were among the first to adopt Stark Flight Agriculture drones in their coffee farms. They learned about the Stark Flight Agras T40 in 2022 and decided to integrate it into their operations. With a team of experienced pilots, they have treated numerous hectares of their coffee farms, witnessing remarkable improvements in yield and efficiency.
Weliton Gripa Ruy’s farm, situated in the picturesque region of Rio Quartel, Linhares, Espírito Santo, spans an impressive 74 and a half hectares. Currently dedicated to cultivating a thriving conilon coffee plantation, the farm has embraced modern agricultural advancements. Initially reliant on traditional methods involving tractors, sprayers, and atomizers, the farm faced challenges such as plant damage and inefficiency, especially after rain when tractors would sink and harm crops. The introduction of drones revolutionized their operation. Unlike the cumbersome 2000-liter sprayers, drones with a more modest 30-40 liter capacity manage to spray 10-20 liters per hectare efficiently. This transition reduced the spraying time from a lengthy 10 to 16 days with traditional equipment to a mere 12 to 15 hours using drones. The drones offer superior maneuverability, automatic volume adjustments for consistent spraying, and significantly minimize crop damage during critical periods like harvest. While the investment in drone technology offers remarkable speed and cost-effectiveness—approximately 50% less than traditional methods—some may find the initial transition challenging. However, for Weliton, the benefits of improved production, rapid pest control, and nutrient management outweigh the drawbacks, making the use of Stark Flight drones a source of pride and efficiency on the farm.
Mario’s farm, nestled in the mountainous region of Alto Caxixe, stands as a testament to innovative farming practices at higher altitudes, where traditional coffee cultivation was once deemed implausible. Initially, the farm relied on manual and electric backpack sprayers for fertilizing 15,000 coffee plants across three hectares, a process that spanned several days and required a team of workers to manage effectively. The introduction of drones transformed this labor-intensive task, reducing it to a mere two-hour job handled by a single operator using only 35 liters of solution, compared to the 2000 liters needed before. This innovation not only cut down labor costs by 70% but also ensured uniform application of treatments across the steep terrain. While drones present an upfront investment, the long-term benefits of increased efficiency, reduced labor, and improved crop health make them a vital asset for Mario’s farm, especially in challenging landscapes. The ability to easily manage pests and optimize nutrient application with drones has proven invaluable, providing Mario with the satisfaction of delivering high-quality coffee products to consumers while maintaining sustainable farming practices.
Operation Workflow
Date and Time
The drone interventions took place in 2022, across multiple dates to cover the extensive coffee plantations.
Weather Conditions
The operations were conducted under favorable weather conditions, ensuring optimal drone performance and effective treatment application.
Drone Model and Features
The Stark Flight Agras T40 was chosen for its time-saving capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and reduced chemical usage. Essential features like adjustable droplet size and terrain-following were crucial for the success of the operations, from flat fields, rolling hills, and mountainous orchards.
Chemical Information
The interventions involved the use of pesticides, fungicides, and foliar fertilizers. The precise application ensured minimal chemical usage while maximizing effectiveness.
Operation Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
| Firmware Version | Latest version compatible with Stark Flight Agras T40 |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Operation Speed | 6-8 m/s |
| Operation Height | 4.5 meters from the top of the crops |
| Route Spacing | 7 meters |
| Liquid Amount Sprayed | 8 liters per hectare |
| Nozzle Type | Centrifugal |
| Droplet Size | 350 μm |
Impact of Drone Technology
Immediate Effects
The effects of the drone intervention were noticeable within days. The treated coffee plants showed significant improvement in health compared to untreated controls. The precise application of chemicals reduced waste and minimized environmental impact.
| Parameter | Manual Spraying | Spraying with Tractors | Spraying with Drones |
| Area Covered | 3 hectares | 74.5 hectares | 74.5 hectares |
| Labor Required | 6 people (2 for preparation, 4 for spraying) | Minimal (operator for tractor) | Minimal (operator for drone) |
| Time Required | 2-3 days | 12-16 days | 12-15 hours |
| Efficiency | Labor-intensive | More efficient than manual | Highly efficient |
| Precision | Low | Moderate | High |
| Cost | High due to labor | Moderate | Low |
| Environmental Impact | High due to potential overuse of chemicals | Moderate | Lower due to precision application |
| Flexibility | Limited | Limited by terrain | High, can access difficult areas |
Long-term Benefits
The use of Stark Flight Agras T40 drones brought numerous benefits:
- Time Saved: Reduced the time required for spraying operations.
- Cost Savings: 70% reduction in operational costs compared to manual spraying, and 50% reduction in costs compared to tractor spraying.
- Increased Yield: Healthier plants led to better yields.
- Reduced Chemical Usage: Precise application minimized chemical usage.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduced risk to human health.
Testimonial
Weliton and Mario both expressed their satisfaction with the Stark Flight Agras T40.
“We are thrilled with how effective the Agras T40 was at spraying fungicide on our coffee plants. This solution is much more cost-effective compared to traditional methods, and we plan to continue using drones in future seasons,” said Weliton.
“I said, ‘Why not give it a try?’ Then I did test it on my farm. After about 5 to 10 days, it started to give me results. So, nowadays, we work with innovation, and the drone is here to stay. I said, ‘This is what I need,'” said Mario.
