Vineyard spraying in Romania is getting a futuristic upgrade, thanks to advanced drone technology. Imagine managing your vineyard with precision, efficiency, and sustainability—all made possible by the DJI Agras drones. This case study from Romania focuses on how vineyard owners are revolutionizing their spraying practices with drones. Whether you’re an agricultural innovator, a modern farmer, or simply a tech enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will give you valuable insights into drone applications in viticulture.
Our case study focuses on a vineyard located in Romania, a country known for its rich viticultural heritage. The vineyard is situated on a slope, presenting unique challenges for traditional spraying methods. The region experiences a temperate climate, with average temperatures in July ranging from 21.5°C to 22°C.
Grapes are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly affect yield and quality. Efficient spraying is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the vineyard.
The challenges faced by vineyard owners in Romania are multifaceted. The sloped terrain makes it difficult to use traditional tractors for spraying, especially after rain. Additionally, the volume of water required for spraying is substantial, the challenge of which can be compounded when water sources are located far from the slopes. Time-consuming operations and the inability to spray at night further complicate matters.
The primary goal of introducing drone technology in this vineyard is to reduce pesticide consumption while maintaining or improving crop health and yield. Drones offer a solution that addresses both the efficiency and sustainability aspects of vineyard management.
Before the introduction of drones, vineyard owners relied on tractors for spraying. This method was not only time-consuming but also impractical for the sloped terrain and post-rain conditions.
The end-user in this case study is Vladimir Potiuc, a 70-year-old vineyard owner and HORECA business owner. Vladimir is a tech-savvy individual who recognizes the advantages of modern technology. He learned about DJI Agriculture drones at a tradeshow where he met representatives from DJI Agriculture dealer Drone Box. This season, when encountering a critical period where he needed to spray his vineyards, Vladimir found he was unable to deploy his tractor because of the slopes softened from recent rains. He called Drone Box and took them up on their services.
Vladimir’s vineyard ultimately relied on drones during the entire 2024 vineyard spraying season, where a DJI Agras T50 was used. This model was chosen for its advanced features, which were crucial for the operation's success.
The workflow with the DJI Agras drone was seamless and efficient, covering flight planning, data capture, analysis, and spraying.
|
Drone Model T40/T50 |
Operation Mode (Automatic or Manual) |
Automatic |
Application Rate (L/ha) |
50-90 L/ha |
Droplet Size (µm) |
70 – 250 μm |
Flight Speed (km/h) |
22 km/h |
Route Spacing (m) |
4 m |
Height Above the Crop (m) |
2.5-3 m |
Total Operation Duration |
2.5 hours |
The drone intervention brought numerous benefits, significantly improving the vineyard's operations compared to untreated controls.
Benefit |
Before Drones |
After Drones |
Chemical amount used per operation |
241.64 liters or kg |
111.84 liters or kg |
Spray Time |
3-4 days |
2.5 hours |
Cost on manual labor |
320 EUR |
80 EUR |
"Drone Box completed spraying of the entire vineyard. I am impressed and very satisfied with the results, especially the reduction in pesticide costs and total use." - Vladimir Potiuc, Vineyard Owner
Vladimir plans to either purchase his own drone or continue hiring Drone Box for 100% of the spraying operations, given the tremendous benefits observed.
The adoption of drone technology in vineyard spraying is transforming traditional farming practices in Romania. The DJI Agras T50 drone has proven to be a game-changer, offering efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. For vineyard owners and agricultural innovators, integrating drones into their operations is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Explore the future of viticulture with drone technology and take your vineyard management to the next level. For more insights and personalized advice, consider reaching out to our experts and see how drones can revolutionize your farming practices.
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