Corn stands as one of Brazil’s most vital crops, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economy and food supply. Brazil ranks among the world’s top corn producers, with regions like Montanha-ES significantly contributing to its agricultural success. In this region, corn is a staple crop, extensively cultivated by farmers who depend on it for their livelihoods.
The landscape of corn farming in Brazil is experiencing a remarkable shift due to the innovative use of drone technology. This integration is revolutionizing how Brazilian farmers manage their crops, optimize yields, and enhance sustainability. This article delves into the challenges, benefits, and practical applications of drone technology in Brazilian corn farming, offering valuable insights for agricultural innovators, drone enthusiasts, and the farming community.
The Challenges Faced in Corn Farming
Despite its significance, corn farming faces numerous challenges. Corn in Brazil is threatened by a range of pests, including corn earworms and fall armyworms, as well as fungal diseases like gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight. Invasive weeds such as Palmer amaranth further complicate the scenario.
These pests cause direct kernel damage, plant defoliation, and root destruction, leading to reduced yields and poor crop quality. Traditional farming methods often fall short in addressing these issues effectively and economically. This is where drones make a transformative difference.
Shortcomings of Traditional Techniques
Inefficiency of Ground Sprayers
Before drones revolutionized agriculture, farmers relied heavily on ground sprayers for applying pesticides and fertilizers. This approach was often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lacked precision. Without drones, these tasks took significantly longer and incurred higher costs.
Impracticality of Ground Sprayers
Traditional methods often led to uneven applications, resulting in chemical wastage and less effective pest control. Additionally, ground sprayers struggled to access all field areas, leaving some sections untreated. After rainfall, tractors were unable to operate on wet fields, causing farmers to miss critical pest control windows.
Introduction to the End-User
Meet Vitor Z. Alves
Vitor Z. Alves, a seasoned farmer in Montanha-ES, Brazil, faced these challenges firsthand. In 2022, Vitor learned about DJI Agriculture drones and started using them the following year. With two pilots on his team, Vitor has treated approximately 2,100 hectares of corn and soybeans using drone technology.
Why Drones?
Vitor decided to adopt DJI Agriculture drones due to their numerous advantages, including higher efficiency, reduced costs, and the ability to operate in challenging conditions. The DJI Agras T50 model was chosen for its high load capacity, strong Terrain Following, and obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Corn Spraying Procedure
Vitor deployed the Agras T50 in the spraying season between October and December, a critical period for pest and disease management in corn farming.
Essential Features for Success
Key features that contributed to the success of the operation included Terrain Following, Obstacle Sensing, Adjustable Droplet Size, and Atomized Spray. These features ensured precise and efficient application of chemicals, optimizing pest control and crop health.
Chemical Information
Chemicals Used
A combination of insecticides, fungicides, and foliar fertilizers was used. The specific chemicals included:
- Insecticides: Targeting corn earworms and fall armyworms.
- Fungicides: Addressing fungal diseases like gray leaf spot.
- Foliar Fertilizers: Enhancing overall crop health and yield.
Operation and Workflow
Planning and Execution
The workflow involved mapping the operation area, flight planning, and executing automatic spraying using the DJI Agras T50 drone.
Detailed operation parameters included:
| Drone Model | |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Application Rate (L/ha) | 10 L/ha |
| Droplet Size (µm) | 300-320 μm |
| Flight Speed (km/h) or (m/s) | 22-25 km/h |
| Route Spacing (ft) or (m) | 7.5-9 m |
| Height Above the Crop (m) | 3-3.5 m |
| Total Operation Duration (mins or hours) | 47 hours |
Efficient and Effective Spraying
The drone’s centrifugal nozzles ensured even distribution of chemicals across the field. The total operation duration was approximately 47 hours, with each drone operating for 15 hours per session.
Results and Benefits
Comparison with Untreated Controls
The treated fields showed significant improvement compared to untreated controls. The benefits of using drones in corn operations are evident, including prompt post-rain activities, decreased water usage, cost-effectiveness, prevention of soil indentation, and simplified relocation between plots.
Key benefits observed included:
- Reduced Chemical Usage: Precision application led to reduced chemical usage, lowering costs and minimizing environmental impact.
- Higher Crop Yield: The yield of treated fields was significantly higher, with healthier and more robust plants.
- Increased Profit: Farmers reported a notable increase in profit after adopting drone technology.
Testimony from Vitor Z. Alves
“When we talk about any brand, there is always a reference. I think that drones have this, a strong brand in mind, which is DJI.” – Vitor Z. Alves
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
The use of drones in corn farming has proven to be a game-changer for Brazilian farmers. By addressing challenges more efficiently, improving crop yield, and reducing costs, drone technology is setting new standards for agricultural innovation.
In conclusion, the integration of drones into corn farming in Brazil showcases the immense potential of precision agriculture technology. By leveraging drones, farmers can achieve higher yields, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of drone technology for your farming operations, consider adopting DJI Agriculture drones and experience the transformation firsthand.