Experience using pesticide-spraying drone to save costs

Understanding pesticide-spraying drone technology

What is a pesticide-spraying drone and how does it work?

A pesticide-spraying drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with an automatic spraying system to distribute pesticides or liquid fertilizers over crops. It operates using sensors, GPS positioning, and a central control system that enables precise flight paths.

This agricultural drone applies automation technology to spray pesticides accurately, reducing labor requirements and minimizing environmental pollution.

How the system works:

1. Map the spraying area using GPS.
2. Set flight speed, altitude, and spray volume.
3. The drone automatically sprays the solution evenly across the field following an optimized route.

Comparing drone spraying vs. traditional manual spraying

Criteria	Manual Spraying	Pesticide-Spraying Drone
Efficiency	0.5-1 ha/hour	5-10 ha/hour
Accuracy	Depends on operator skill	GPS positioning ±5 cm
Labor cost	High, multiple workers needed	Low, one operator only
Health safety	Direct exposure to chemicals	Minimal exposure
Chemical usage	Often wasteful	Saves 20-30%

→ Switching to agricultural spraying drones helps optimize farming operations and improve worker safety, especially in rice and fruit cultivation areas.

Benefits of using agricultural spraying drones

• Higher spraying efficiency: Covers 8-10 times more area than manual methods.
• Lower labor cost: Reduces 60-70% of labor expenses.
• Less chemical waste: Precise spraying through pressure-sensor control.
• Improved biological effectiveness: Fine mist droplets adhere evenly to leaves.
• Promotes smart agriculture 4.0.

Factors affecting the cost of using pesticide-spraying drone

Initial investment and accessories

The total upfront cost of a spraying drone ranges from VND 80-300 million, depending on capacity and brand. In addition to the drone itself, users should factor in spare batteries, nozzles, fast chargers, additional tanks, and mapping software. Choosing the right model for your farm size helps optimize long-term investment costs.

Spraying capacity and battery consumption

A typical drone battery allows 15-25 minutes of operation, covering 2-3 hectares per charge. Performance depends on nozzle type, pesticide viscosity, and flight speed.

Battery-saving checklist:

• Maintain stable speed between 4-6 m/s.
• Use standard chargers.
• Avoid overheating or deep discharging the battery.

Labor and time savings

One drone can replace 5-10 manual workers. For a 10-hectare area, one operator and two spare batteries are enough for a full working session. The saved time allows farmers to spray at the optimal crop growth stage for better pest control.

Regular maintenance reduces long-term costs

To keep drones running efficiently, perform maintenance every 3-6 months, including:

• Checking nozzles and filters.
• Replacing propellers, bearings, and signal cables when worn.
• Updating control software for optimal performance.

Proper maintenance can extend the drone’s lifespan and reduce repair costs by 15-20% annually.

Tips for safe and effective pesticide-spraying drone operation

Identify usage goals and field size

Before investing, determine your farm area, crop type, and spraying frequency to choose a suitable configuration. For small fields, use 10-16L drones; for farms over 3 hectares, choose high-capacity agricultural drones.

Choose the right drone for each crop type

• Rice: Use drones with fine mist nozzles and high pressure.
• Fruit trees: Prioritize models with 3D obstacle-avoidance sensors.
• Industrial crops: Opt for large tanks and longer flight ranges.

Adjust flight speed and spray volume

Ideal flight speed is 4-6 m/s, at 2-3 m above the canopy. Spray 10-15L/ha for rice, and 20-25L/ha for fruit trees. Correct adjustment saves pesticides and protects the environment.

Check weather and terrain before flying

Avoid flying in winds above level 4, rain, or thunderstorms. For sloped or uneven fields, fly along the contour lines to reduce tilting risks.

Set up GPS mapping for precise spraying

Use mapping software such as DJI Terra to define boundaries, altitude, wind direction, and no-fly zones. This ensures accurate spraying with no overlaps or missed spots.

Conduct test flights and calibrations

Perform 1-2 trial flights to fine-tune speed, pressure, and spray volume. Calibration prevents errors during large-scale spraying, saving chemicals and improving accuracy.

Follow safety procedures during spraying

Operators should wear protective clothing, masks, and gloves. Avoid standing upwind of the spraying area. After spraying, clean the tank and nozzles with water to prevent residue buildup.

Regular maintenance for durability and performance

After each season:

• Clean the body and nozzles.
• Inspect motors, batteries, and propellers.
• Store in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture damage.

Proper care ensures consistent drone performance across multiple seasons.

How to save costs when using pesticide-spraying drone

Choose suitable pesticides to reduce waste

Select formulations with high adhesion and diffusion capacity to cut spraying volume by 20-30%. Use drone-specific pesticide solutions with fine particles to avoid nozzle blockage. This is one of the most effective ways to save spraying costs while increasing yield and reducing pollution.

Proper battery and component care extends lifespan

Batteries account for over 30% of operational costs. To maximize battery life:

• Charge at 25-30°C and avoid deep discharge.
• Clean contacts and propellers with a dry cloth after each season.
• Store batteries in a dry, shaded area.

Proper care can extend battery life by 40-50% and reduce annual replacement costs.

Use automatic flight mode to avoid errors

Modern agricultural drones support automated GPS-guided flight. This mode adjusts altitude, flight path, and spray volume automatically-reducing chemical waste and overlap. It’s especially beneficial for beginners, helping lower costs while maintaining precision.

Share drone investment among farmers

A growing trend is group investment-several farmers jointly purchase and share drone usage by schedule or area. This model reduces individual investment costs and maximizes drone utilization.

Hire professional drone spraying services

For small farms or infrequent spraying, hiring a professional drone spraying service is more economical. Service providers use modern equipment and trained pilots, helping farmers save more compared to owning a drone outright.

Common drone operation errors and troubleshooting

Nozzle blockage and quick fixes

This often occurs when using thick or residue-heavy solutions. To fix it:

• Stop the flight immediately, remove the nozzle, and soak it in warm water.
• Clean gently with a soft brush-avoid sharp tools.
• Check the liquid filter before reinstalling.

→ To clear a blocked nozzle, stop flying, clean it with warm water, and inspect the filter before resuming.

Signal loss or flight deviation

Signal loss often results from GPS interference or low battery. To handle it:

1. Activate Return to Home (RTH) mode.
2. Keep control distance within 1.5 km.
3. Avoid flying near broadcasting towers or dense residential areas.

If the issue persists, recalibrate the IMU and compass sensors to stabilize flight paths.

Post-season inspection and calibration

After each spraying season:

• Clean the tank, pipes, and nozzles.
• Check screws, propellers, and altitude sensors.
• Update to the latest control software.

Regular inspections ensure high spraying accuracy and reduce operational errors.

Economic benefits of proper drone investment

Comparing profits: manual vs. drone spraying

Criteria	Manual Spraying	Pesticide-Spraying Drone
Productivity	1 ha/day	10-15 ha/day
Chemical usage	High, wasteful	Saves 20-30%
Labor cost	500,000-700,000 VND/day	Almost none
Spray uniformity	Inconsistent	Very consistent
Health risk	Possible poisoning	Safe for operators

→ Using a pesticide-spraying drone increases productivity tenfold, reduces chemical costs by 25%, and minimizes health risks for farmers.

Payback period for agricultural drone investment

On average, for a 20-hectare farm, the payback period for a spraying drone is 8-10 months. If used for service spraying, net profits can reach 15-20 million VND per month after expenses.

Cooperative models reduce investment costs

Many localities have established agricultural cooperatives that jointly invest in spraying drones, share usage schedules, and manage maintenance collectively. This model can cut personal investment costs by up to 60% compared to individual purchases.

Recommended DJI Agras models for pesticide spraying

DJI spraying drones and their advantages

The DJI Agras series is known for precise spraying, fuel efficiency, and multi-directional radar sensors that enable stable flight in complex terrain. Each model is optimized for different farming scales-from smallholders to large farms.

Quick comparison of popular DJI Agras models

Model	Tank Capacity	Spraying Efficiency	Suitable Area	Key Features
T10	10 L	6 ha/hour	<1 ha	Compact, easy to control
T20P	20 L	10 ha/hour	2-5 ha	Dual radar, HD camera
T50	50 L	20 ha/hour	>5 ha	High power, battery efficient
T70P	70 L	30 ha/hour	>10 ha	Fully automated, maximum efficiency

Choosing the right DJI Agras for your farm

• Small fields (<1 ha): DJI Agras T10 - compact and budget-friendly.
• Medium farms (2-5 ha): DJI Agras T20P - efficient and easy to maintain.
• Large-scale farms: DJI Agras T50 or T70P - fast, precise, and time-saving.

⇒ When operated correctly, pesticide-spraying drone not only reduce spraying costs but also drive modern farming practices-advancing toward a smart, sustainable, and efficient agriculture future.