A Comprehensive Guide to Using Agricultural Drones for Rice Spreading and Fertilization

 

 

Benefits, Techniques, and Best Practices

 

The release of the MG-1S spreading system in 2018 marked a turning point in the capabilities of agriculture drones. Beyond just spraying pesticides and fungicides, drones are now used to spread rice seeds, granular fertilizers, and more, enhancing agricultural practices with their versatility.

 

DJI Agriculture drones have been transforming rice cultivation by offering farmers a more efficient and precise approach to sowing and fertilization.

 

To achieve successful drone-based spreading operations, it is essential to follow several key steps and best practices for optimal results.

 

Below is a comprehensive guide on using drones for rice seeding and fertilization.

 

 

Benefits of Using Drones for Rice Spreading and Fertilization

 

The use of agriculture drones for rice spreading and fertilization offers many benefits compared to traditional methods. Some notable advantages include:

 

• Increased efficiency and speed, reducing manual labor
• Precise application, leading to reduced waste and damage to crops
• Accessibility to difficult or remote terrain
• Ability to cover larger areas in a shorter period of time
• Real-time monitoring and data collection for better decision making

 

 

Getting Started with the Agras Spreading System

 

To utilize the spreading system of your agricultural drone, begin by switching it to spreading mode. This process is quick and simply requires removing the spraying tank and installing the spreading tank. For more information about the spreading system and installation instructions, view the following resources:

 

Introduction to the spreading system:

 

Transitioning from spraying to spreading system:

 

 

 

Understanding Rice Growth Periods

 

Generally, there are some periods for rice growth and here is the main focus on each period of rice growth:

 

• Vegetative (tillering)
• Reproductive (flowering)
• Ripening

 

To achieve optimal results in rice spreading and fertilization, it is important to understand the different growth periods of rice plants. This knowledge can help determine the appropriate timing for seeding and fertilization using agricultural drones.

 

1. Selecting the Right Spreading Time

 

Rice growth is significantly affected by seasonal and climatic conditions. Selecting the optimal planting time is crucial for successful cultivation. The ideal sowing period for rice seeds differs by region, so it is important to refer to local climate data or consult agricultural experts and agronomists when planning the planting schedule.

 

2. Pest and Disease Control

 

Rice crops are susceptible to numerous pests and diseases that can greatly affect both yield and quality. Conducting regular field inspections is crucial, and prompt control measures should be enacted upon detecting any infestations or infections. This proactive approach helps minimize losses and ensures the health of the crop.

 

3. Timely Fertilization

 

Proper nutrition is crucial throughout the various stages of rice growth. Apply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers as required, taking care to avoid over-fertilization, which can result in soil pollution and environmental harm.

 

4. Efficient Field Management

 

Rice fields require effective management practices, including weeding, pruning, and supplementary fertilization. These activities help promote healthy growth, increase yield, and improve crop quality.

 

 

Preparation Before Drone Spreading and Fertilization

 

1. Ensure Flight Safety

 

Before starting any drone operation, ensure that the flight environment is safe. Drones should avoid any collisions with people, buildings, or other obstacles during flight.

 

2. Accurate Positioning and Flight Route Planning

 

Effective route planning is essential when using agricultural drones for spreading or fertilization. Proper route coverage ensures that every section of the field is  seeded or treated, reducing the risk of gaps or overlapping coverage.

 

3. Appropriate Flight Parameters

 

Adjust the drone’s flight parameters such as altitude and speed based on crop height and field conditions. Lower altitudes generally improve spraying or spreading accuracy, but care should be taken to avoid colliding with crops or uneven terrain.

 

 

Here are parameters recommended for spreading rice seed:

Height Above Crop	4 - 5 m	Application Rate	140-200 kg/ha
Flight Speed	6 – 7 m/s	Route Spacing	4.5 - 5.5 m
Mode	(Auto)Route Mode	SpinnerSpeed	900-1100 rpm/min
Scenario	Route Mode + Above water (if have water surface)	Hopper Gate	Standard
Obstacle Avoidance	Turn on	Wind Speed	Below５m/s
Low Speed Ascend	Turn on	Flight Optimization	Auto Route Spacing Adjustment –Turn on Smart Resume – Turn on

 

 

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

 

Drones and its spreading systems require regular maintenance to ensure operational efficiency and safety. Regular inspections of the spreading system, flight control systems, and batteries are essential to maintain accuracy and reliability.

 

• Spreader Cleaning: After each use, remove and clean the spreader. A steam cleaner can be used to remove any stuck fertilizer or manure from the motor module and control board. Follow this by wiping it clean with a damp cloth and then drying it with a dry cloth.
• Plastic Bin and Spreader Plate: Clean these components using a water hose and brush to remove any remaining material. Allow them to dry completely before storage.

 

 

 

 

Video for spreading system maintenance:

 

 

Considerations with Agricultural Drones

• Route Spacing Settings During Spreading: There's a fundamental principle: As a drone's flight altitude rises or its spreading disk speed increases, the row spacing may expand. Therefore, it's crucial to adjust route spacing appropriately to ensure even seed distribution. To prevent rice seeding overlap between routes, it is highly recommended to adhere to the aforementioned parameters.
• Calibration for New Materials: When switching to a new material, such as a different seed type or fertilizer, create a new calibration template to ensure accurate application rate. Calibration should include loading the new material into the spreader and adjusting flow rates.

 

Video for creating a material template:

 

• Flat Terrain Requirements: Fields for rice spreading should be level, with variations in height not exceeding 5 cm. Uneven fields may result in water pooling, hindering seed germination and emergence. It’s recommended to use a tractor to level the field first and check if it’s even or not.
• Seed Pre-Germination: Pre-germinated rice seeds should have sprouts between 1-3 mm. Sprouts longer than 3 mm may cause blockages during spreading, leading to uneven distribution.

 

The seed sprouts shown here can be considered too long.

 

• Low application rate: If you plan to apply a very low rate, between 5-25 kg/ha, consider switching from the standard hopper gate to a small one.

Note: T50 & T25 have large (standard) and small (optional) hopper gates that can be swapped. T40 &T20P have large (standard), small (optional), and smallest (optional) that can be swapped.
 

Here is a video guide for installing the small hopper gate: 

 

 

 

Common Errors and Troubleshooting

 

1. Incorrect Flight Altitude: If the altitude is not suitable, especially in water-covered fields, use the “above water” setting for better control over operations.

 

 

2. Wide Row Spacing: The route spacing should not exceed 6 meters when spreading rice seeds due to their higher friction. Wider spacing may cause gaps, leading to uneven distribution.
3. Spreading Omission: If spreading errors occur due to internal shrinkage settings or a lag in shutter timing, check the germination status after 1-2 weeks and manually address any gaps. Updating to the latest firmware may also help prevent such issues.
4. Drone U-turns: When the drone goes beyond the field during U-turns, set a safety distance for better control at field edges.
5. Uneven Route Spacing: If the spacing on the left and right sides of the drone's route is inconsistent, set the route interval auto-adjustment to ON and update the route settings for balanced coverage.

 

 

Precautions for Fertilizer Spreading

 

• Battery and Fertilizer Loading Order: When loading fertilizer, ensure the battery is inserted first. Dust that kicks up when pouring fertilizer can cause rusting of the metal battery connector, especially on the electrified distribution board.

 

• Fertilizer Flight Parameters: The use of fertilizers is less strict than that of seed spreading, and the range of settings could be wider.

 

Here are recommended parameters for spreading fertilizer:

Height Above Crop	3 - 4 m	Application Rate	50 – 750 kg/ha
Flight Speed	6 – 7 m/s	Route Spacing	4 – 7 m
Mode	(Auto)Route Mode	Spinner Speed	700 – 1000 rpm/min
Scenario	Route Mode + Above water (if have water surface)	Hopper Gate	Standard
Obstacle Avoidance	Turn on	Wind Speed	Below５m/s
Low Speed Ascend	Turn on	Flight Optimization	Auto Route Spacing Adjustment –Turn on Smart Resume – Turn on

 

 

By following these guidelines and best practices, you can harness the full potential of agricultural drones, achieving higher productivity and more precise crop management, leading to greater yields and resource efficiency.

 

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