NDSU Tests Spray Drone Crop Applications

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University researchers are studying spray drone technology to help farmers improve crop protection and make better application decisions in changing field conditions. The new research at the Carrington Research Extension Center focuses on developing practical guidelines for spray drone use across North Dakota agriculture.

Spray drones are gaining attention because they can help producers manage difficult field conditions, short spray windows, wet ground, uneven terrain, and labor shortages. Researchers believe drones may provide a useful option when ground sprayers cannot easily access fields or when fast treatment is needed.

The research program will study important factors such as flight height, travel speed, swath width, spray volume, nozzle setup, and canopy conditions. Scientists will use water-sensitive papers and spray coverage measurements to track where droplets land and how evenly the spray covers crops. The goal is to measure real field performance instead of relying only on visual observations.

A major part of the project focuses on managing Fusarium head blight, also called wheat scab. Researchers will compare drone fungicide applications with traditional ground sprayers to better understand disease control, crop response, spray coverage, and operational flexibility during critical treatment periods.

The studies will also examine drone performance in different crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans, and dry beans. Crop height, row spacing, and canopy density can all affect how spray droplets move through the crop canopy. Researchers hope the information will help producers choose the best setup for each crop and application need.

Calibration remains one of the most important parts of drone spraying. Small changes in speed, nozzle type, droplet size, or flight height may affect coverage, drift risk, and spray accuracy. The research aims to provide field-tested recommendations that improve application performance and reduce mistakes.

The project will also support extension publications, field demonstrations, and training programs for producers and applicators. Researchers want to provide practical guidance that helps farmers understand when spray drones are useful and when traditional sprayers remain the better option.

Photo Credit: pexels-flo-dnd