Costs - equipment, training, but most importantly time
There are many benefits to using drones on a farm, but an investment of both finances and time is required before a drone becomes part of daily practice. Drone-based precision farming requires not only equipment, but also the right skills and knowledge, which can be acquired through training and practice. Here's a look at what costs and time requirements to consider when deciding to implement drones for crop monitoring.
Expenses related to drones for precision agriculture
Training - in order to operate a drone in agriculture in accordance with regulations and safely, it is necessary to obtain BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) certification, which allows flying beyond the operator's line of sight. BVLOS training takes about 10 days and costs between $3,000 and $6,000. After completing the training, one must pass a state exam, which costs about 214 zlotys. Training a drone operator also requires an aeromedical examination (costing PLN 300) and the purchase of liability insurance.
Equipment - the price range for crop monitoring drones is wide. If a farm requires only basic visual monitoring, a drone worth around 5K will suffice. However, advanced drones for environmental measurements used in precision farming, equipped with a multispectral camera, a thermal imaging camera and an RTK module (which allows precise positioning), can cost from 20 to even 150 thousand zlotys. In addition to the drone, a properly equipped computer - a laptop or desktop - is needed to process the collected data. The cost of such equipment is from 5 to 15 thousand zlotys.
Photogrammetric and remote sensing software - in order for the data acquired during a drone raid to be valuable, it is necessary to process it using specialized software. Photogrammetric analysis and remote sensing programs are used to convert images into maps and models that allow accurate analysis of crops. Unfortunately, the cost of such programs is high: a monthly subscription for an annual package costs about 220 euros, and the price of annual access to other specialized software is about 20 thousand zlotys.
Batteries - drones used in agriculture require regular replacement of batteries, which wear out over time. The cost of a new battery ranges from 500 to 1,000 zlotys, and the number of batteries needed depends on the size of the area to be monitored. For larger fields, more replacements will be required, which means additional operating costs.
Time - from training to raids and data analysis
Training and practice - BVLOS training alone takes about 7-10 days, but it takes much longer to master the skills to use a drone safely and effectively in agriculture. Passing the state exam alone may require additional weeks of practice, and it takes at least 1-2 years to become fully proficient, especially if someone is just starting out on the drone adventure. Professional drone operation requires practice, which includes both knowledge of flight techniques and operation of data analysis software.
Performing photogrammetric raids - the time required for one photogrammetric raid is about 20-30 minutes for an area of 10-15 hectares, depending on the type of drone and flight altitude. However, the raid time also consists of preparing the drone, calibrating it and configuring the route in a dedicated application. For larger fields, exceeding 15 hectares, a raid requires changing batteries several times, which involves landing, changing batteries and taking off again. Typically, one battery lasts about 20 minutes of flight time, which means that at least three batteries will be needed to cover 45 hectares. In addition to the time spent in the air, preparation and adjustment of equipment and settings are necessary.
Weather conditions and time of day - photogrammetric raids are most effective when the weather conditions are right. The absence of precipitation and even lighting that minimizes shadows are key factors for data quality. The best time of day to conduct raids is between 11am and 2pm, when lighting is most even. These requirements mean that the drone operator must take into account weather variables and time, making the entire process of planning raids time-consuming and prone to delays.
Summary
There are many benefits to using drones in agriculture, but they require a significant initial investment and regular time investment. Costs include operator training, purchase of the drone and software, and replacement of batteries, while time includes preparation and execution of raids, as well as data analysis. Drones in precision agriculture are a modern tool that enables accurate crop monitoring, but their implementation requires adequate knowledge and skills. Drone operators need time to become proficient and experienced with advanced equipment, and the accuracy and efficiency of operations also depend on a number of external factors, such as weather conditions and time of day.
The decision to deploy drones on a farm, therefore, requires consideration of whether such a tool will truly meet the needs of the farm and whether the resources at hand will allow it to reach its full potential. The cost of equipment and training, as well as the time required for learning and operation, mean that not every farmer will decide to take such a step. An alternative is to work with professional photogrammetric and remote sensing drone companies, which provide high-quality services and precise data, speeding up and optimizing the farm management process.