Granular fertiliser spreading using aerial application
Granular fertiliser spreading using drones provides a flexible and efficient way to apply nutrients without relying on heavy ground machinery. By distributing granular products from the air, farms can maintain accurate application while avoiding soil compaction and access limitations.
This project demonstrates how aerial spreading can be used to apply granular fertilisers and soil conditioners accurately across arable land, particularly where ground conditions or timing constraints make traditional spreading difficult.
The Situation
Granular fertilisers are commonly applied during periods when soil conditions are vulnerable to compaction or when weather windows are short. Tractor-based spreading in these conditions can damage soil structure, create ruts, and reduce long-term field performance.
Uniform application can also be challenging in fields with variable access, headlands, or irregular shapes. Traditional machinery may struggle to maintain consistent spreading rates across the entire field, leading to uneven nutrient distribution and inefficient fertiliser use.
Delays in application can have a direct impact on crop performance. When spreading is postponed due to poor ground conditions or machinery availability, crops may miss key nutrient timing, reducing uptake efficiency and yield potential.
Objectives of the Project
- To apply granular fertilisers accurately without ground contact
- To avoid soil compaction and structural damage
- To maintain consistent nutrient distribution across the field
- To operate effectively during short or challenging weather windows
- To improve nutrient use efficiency and timing
