Transforming Corn Farming: A Case Study on Agras T40 Drones in Central Anatolia
Precision agriculture and agriculture drones are rapidly transforming the way we grow food worldwide. A shining example of this is the implementation of Stark Flight Agras T40 drones in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region to improve corn yields.
This case study dives into how these cutting-edge drones addressed the challenges faced by local farmers, like combating pests and optimizing resources, to achieve remarkable results.
The Challenge of Corn Farming in Central Anatolia
Central Anatolia, often referred to as the breadbasket of Turkey, is a vital agricultural hub. Corn is a staple crop in the region, both for food and industrial use. However, local farmers face significant challenges, including pest infestations caused by species like Sesamia nonagrioides (Mediterranean corn borer), Tetranychus spp. (spider mites), and Bemisia tabaci (silverleaf whitefly). These pests cause substantial damage, reducing crop quality and yield, and are notoriously challenging to manage.
Limitations with Traditional Techniques
Traditional farming techniques such as tractor spraying have proven to be inefficient in combating these challenges. Tractors with specialized rigs for tall crops not only risk damaging up to 5% of the corn crop during application (leading to yield loss valued at $125 to $250 per hectare) but also fail to deliver the precision required for effective pest control. It was clear that a more modern and efficient solution was needed.
Meet Haluk YILDIZ, a Visionary Farmer
Recognizing these challenges, local farmer Haluk Yıldız explored innovative technologies to minimize crop losses and maximize efficiency. Learning about Stark Flight Agriculture drones in 2022, he decided to integrate them into his operations. Now, two years later, Haluk has used Stark Flight drones, including the Agras T40, to treat 400 hectares with remarkable success.
Why Choose Stark Flight Agras T40?
The Agras T40 drone stood out thanks to its advanced features, which are perfectly suited for the complexities of corn farming in Turkey’s uniquely undulating fields.
Key Features That Made a Difference:
- Terrain Following ensures precise applications, even on uneven farmland.
- Adjustable Droplet Size allows for controlled applications, minimizing waste.
- Atomized Spray Technology delivers thorough pest control, even in dense cornfields.
- Obstacle Sensing makes operations safer and more efficient.
Drone Spraying in Action
The drone operation to spray the cornfields took place on July 29-30, 2023. Using the Stark Flight Agras T40, Haluk implemented an automated spraying workflow, which included flight planning and in-field adjustments.
Operation Specifications:
- Chemicals Used:
- Chlorantraniliprole 200 g/L SC (150 ml/ha)
- Lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L EC (300 ml/ha)
- Chlorantraniliprole 200 g/L SC (150 ml/ha)
| Active Ingredient | Formulation | Chemical amount |
| 200 g/L Chlorantraniliprole | SC | 150 ml |
| 50 g/L Lambda-cyhalothrin | EC | 300 ml |
- Spraying Parameters:
- Operation mode: Automatic
- Application rate: 10-20 L/ha
- Droplet size: 100-350 µm for insecticide
- Flight speed: 25-28 m/s
- Route spacing: 7-9 m
- Height above crops: 3-4 m
- Operation mode: Automatic
Stark Flight Agras T40/T50 – Insecticide/fungicide/foliar fertilizer
| Stark Flight Agras T40/T50 | |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Application Rate (L/ha) | 10-20 (L/ha) |
| Droplet Size (µm) | 100-350 µm |
| Flight Speed (m/s) | 25.2-28.8 m/s |
| Route Spacing m) | 7-9 m |
| Height Above the Crop (m) | 3-4 m |
Stark Flight Agras T40/T50 – Herbicide
| Stark Flight Agras T40/ T50 | |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Application Rate (L/ha) | 15-20 (L/ha) |
| Droplet Size (µm) | 350-500 µm |
| Flight Speed (m/s) | 21.6-23.4 m/s |
| Route Spacing (m) | 6-7 m |
| Height Above the Crop (m) | 3-3.5 m |
The drones performed more consistently than traditional irrigation-based spraying systems, significantly reducing the pests while protecting the cornfields from physical damage.
The Results
The use of Stark Flight Agras T40 drones resulted in clear, measurable improvements in corn farming productivity.
Benefits Observed:
- Higher Crop Yield: Yield increased from 15 tons/ha before drones to 18 tons/ha after adopting drone spraying.
- Reduced Pesticide Usage: The volume of chemical application decreased from 900 ml/ha to 450 ml/ha, effectively cutting chemical costs in half.
- Time Efficiency: Traditional agricultural irrigation spraying took hours or more, compared to just 1 hour with the drone.
- Lower Costs: While manual labor costs rose slightly ($10/ha for drone operations), the higher yield and reduced chemical use made the drone solution more profitable.
| Benefit | Before Drones | After Drones |
| Profit increased | 10 thousand USD/year | 12 thousand USD/year |
| Profit | 5000 USD | 6000 USD |
| Crop Yield | 15 ton per ha | 18 ton per ha |
| Chemical amount used per operation | 900 ml per ha | 450 ml per ha |
| Spray Time | with agricultural irrigation system (not effective spraying method) | 1 hour |
| Cost on manual labor | 0 USD per hectare | 10 USD per hectare |
Testimony from Haluk
Haluk shared his satisfaction, saying, “We are thrilled with how effective the Agras T40 was at spraying insecticide on our corn. This solution is much more effective when compared with spraying with irrigation system and we plan to continue using drones in future seasons. The drone penetrates very well, especially in pest control, and we are pleased with the results. It reduces the amount of pesticide we use and is also very effective in terms of time.”
The Future of Farming in Turkey
The success of this case study highlights the potential for drone technology in Turkish corn farming. By adopting smart farming solutions, farmers can optimize their use of resources, reduce environmental impact, and achieve higher productivity levels.
Precision agriculture is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for farmers looking to compete in modern markets. By leveraging drones like the Agras T40, Turkish corn farmers have not only increased yields but have also embraced a sustainable approach to farming.
Are you ready to revolutionize your farm operations with cutting-edge drone technology? Learn more about Stark Flight Agriculture solutions and how they can help your business today.