Pasture Management with DJI Agriculture Solutions

 

 

A complete solution guide for using DJI Agriculture drones when farming pastures

 

For centuries, pasture farming has been integral to agriculture. Since the Neolithic era, when hunter-gatherers first settled and began domesticating animals, pasturelands have been essential for raising livestock to produce meat, milk, horn, leather, and manure, as well as serving as a workforce in the fields.

 

In modern cattle farming, maintaining healthy pastures is crucial as it directly impacts the livestock market. Ensuring high-quality forage for cattle involves controlling wild weeds and eliminating invasive plants.

 

In 2021, the United States allocated over 121.1 million acres to pasture farming, supporting more than 93.6 million beef cattle. Texas is a significant contributor, managing about 28 million acres of pastureland, which accounts for approximately 15.5% of the nation's total. As the leading state, Texas produced 13.1 million beef cattle, contributing approximately $15.5 billion to the market value.

 

 

 

Traditional Pasture Management Methods

 

Traditionally, pasture management has relied on tractors or ground rigs to apply herbicides to invasive plants or weeds. This process requires driving over the land during the optimal time window when weeds are most susceptible, or before they start seeding. Alternatively, some pastures are managed using crewed aircraft that dispense chemicals in a blanket application from above. Each approach comes with its own set of limitations and challenges, presenting significant drawbacks in effectiveness and efficiency.

 

Traditional equipment often struggles with poor penetration, especially in dense or rugged terrains, leading to inadequate coverage. Additionally, the high cost of operating and maintaining these machines increases the overall expense of managing pasturelands. Moreover, there is a significant danger to operators, as safety risks are inherent when using large machinery, particularly on uneven or rolling terrains where tractor tipping poses a real hazard.

 

Limitations of ground rigs and tractors:

 

For small and medium plots, especially those difficult to access and operate after rain or due to obstacles like trees and holes dug by wild pigs, it can be challenging. Finding and removing invasive plants such as cedar and mosquito trees is hard and inefficient. A machine capable of covering the field in question is necessary to address these issues effectively.

 

Limitations of crewed fixed-wing aircraft:

 

Navigating obstacles in the field, such as tree lines, can be challenging. In regions like Texas, where wind is common and its direction frequently shifts, adapting to these conditions is tough. As a result, fixed-wing aircraft are often avoided for spraying tasks. Additionally, pasture managers can find it difficult to schedule a pilot during the optimal spraying window, as pilots have hectic schedules.

 

 

 

Benefits of DJI Agriculture Drone Solutions

 

Modern farms and ranches are increasingly adopting drone technology to manage pasturelands more efficiently. Here's why:

 

Efficiency in Spot Spraying

 

DJI Agriculture drones excel at spot spraying thanks to orchard mode. For example, in eliminating cedar trees, drones can map entire pasturelands, use AI to identify invasive trees, and create precise spraying routes. This approach dramatically cuts labor costs and boosts efficiency.

 

Adaptability to Complex Landscapes

 

Pasture terrains are often uneven and filled with obstacles like trees and holes. DJI Agriculture drones excel in such environments by maintaining high working efficiency regardless of these challenges. They can follow terrain changes up to 50 degrees, making them ideal for hilly or uneven pastures that are inaccessible or hazardous for ground rigs.

 

Flexibility for Small and Separated Plots

 

Managing private or small plots, typically under 200 acres, is becoming increasingly accessible with the advent of drones. Previously, using tractors for these tasks was cumbersome and inefficient. Drones offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing for easy access to the pastureland itself and effective management of small and fragmented plots. They can navigate and spray entire fields, a task ground rigs find impossible, transforming pastureland management.

 

 

 

Drone Application Opportunities

 

Drones offer numerous opportunities for pastureland management throughout different stages of the growth cycle. Here's a breakdown of potential applications:

 

1. February to March: Conduct pre-emergency spraying across the entire field to ensure optimal conditions for germination.
    
2. April to June: Apply post-emergence herbicides to control wild weeds throughout the pastureland during its active growing phase. This is a crucial task. Weed species may vary by region; for example, in South Carolina, it is recommended to treat spiny apple and tropical soda apple. Consulting the local Extension office for a recommended application timing chart is advisable.
    
3. September to October: Focus on eliminating invasive plants. This period poses minimal risk to nearby farmland, as most have been harvested, and allows more time for this activity. Note that July to August is dedicated to row crop spraying.

Source: https://lgpress.clemson.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/08/herb-timing-chart.pdf

 

For more information, consult your county Extension office or refer to the Weed Control Guidelines, MSU Extension publication P1532. 

 

 

Best Practices for Using Drones in Pasture Management

 

To maximize the benefits of using DJI drones in pasture management, it's essential to follow best practices:

 

Workflow Recommendations

 

1. Post-emergence herbicide spraying for whole-field

 

In this scenario, we suggest a standard product package including: T50 x 1, batteries x 3, generator x 1, DJI Relay x 1 and the DJI SmartFarm app.

Using Route Mode to perform the operation is a highly efficient way to finish the task. The Route Mode workflow is presented below:

 

2. Spot spraying for invasive plants

 

In this scenario, we suggest a standard product package including: Mavic 3M x 1, T50 x 1, batteries x 3, generator x 1, DJI Relay x 1, D-RTK2 Mobile Station x 1, DJI Terra or DJI SmartFarm Web and DJI SmartFarm app.

 

 

Using Fruit Tree Mode is the best way to perform spot spraying, especially for invasive plants. The Fruit Tree Mode workflow is presented below:

 

 

 

Parameter Recommendations

 

Optimize drone settings for your application. For example, adjust the application rate, droplet size, flight speed, route spacing, and height above the crop to achieve the best results. Regularly consult with local extension offices or refer to weed control guidelines to stay updated on recommended practices.

 

Parameter	T40 / T50
Application Rate	18.7 - 46.8 L/ha (2-5 GPA)
Droplet Size (µm)	500 µm
Flight Speed	6.1 - 7.2 m/s (20-25 ft/s)
Route Spacing	8.5 m (28 ft)
Height Above the Crop	3.0 m (10 ft)

 

 

Case Studies

 

These two case studies highlight the benefits of Agras drones for pasture management around the world, including Australia and the United States.

 

The first shows the innovative use of drones by Lineage Drone Solutions in managing weed infestations in Australia's vast pasturelands. These areas, crucial for agriculture, face challenges from invasive species like blackberries. Traditional weed control methods, such as helicopter and hand spraying, are often imprecise and present safety hazards. The adoption of high-resolution imagery and the Agras T40 drone has transformed this process, allowing for accurate field mapping and AI-driven weed detection. This data enables the creation of 3D flight paths for precise, targeted herbicide application, significantly reducing chemical exposure to humans and non-target plants. This method not only enhances safety but also proves to be more efficient and cost-effective, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agricultural practices. Lineage Drone Solutions has been instrumental in implementing this technology, showcasing its potential to revolutionize weed management in the region.

 

 

 

This second case explore's Dakota Crow's farm in southern Missouri which exemplifies the transformative impact of drone technology on modern agriculture. By integrating spray drones into his farming practices, Dakota has revolutionized the management of his pastureland. These drones have become indispensable, allowing him to overcome the limitations of traditional equipment and significantly boost productivity. With their advanced capabilities, Dakota can conduct post-emergence spraying, effectively control invasive species, and perform precision weeding across even the most inaccessible areas of his farm. This ensures that every inch of his pastureland is optimized for maximum yield. The adoption of drone technology not only enhances efficiency but also elevates overall productivity, showcasing a remarkable advancement in sustainable farming practices.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The integration of DJI Agriculture drone solutions in pasture management is revolutionizing the industry. By addressing the challenges of traditional methods, drones offer efficiency, adaptability, and flexibility that traditional equipment cannot match.

 

Agricultural innovators, farm managers, ranchers, and modern farmers stand to gain significantly from adopting drone technology. By leveraging drones for various stages of pasture management, you can ensure healthier pastures, better livestock productivity, and a more sustainable future for your farm.

 

Are you ready to take your pasture management to the next level? Discover the full potential of DJI Agriculture Drone Solutions and transform your farming practices today.

 

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DJIAgriculture

Follow us on YouTube: youtube.com/@DJIAgriculture

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/djiagriculture_official