Pasture is a predominant land use for the globe’s agricultural areas, with Australia ranking second in the world for countries with the most pasture lands. These lands are primarily grazed by beef, sheep, and dairy livestock. It is forecasted that the total value of livestock exports from Australian agriculture will reach 27.46 billion Australian dollars in the fiscal year of 2023.
One of the significant challenges faced in these pastures is the infestation of blackberries, a species that is notoriously difficult to control. If left untreated, blackberries can overrun entire paddocks, inhibiting the livestock’s ability to move freely and graze. This scenario can lead to significant economic losses.
James Lyon, Director and Chief Pilot of Lyon AG Drone Solutions, has been providing mapping and spraying services on pastures for over two years. James initially entered the agricultural drone industry with the intention of utilizing AI to detect and spot spray nodding thistles, a noxious weed typically managed through traditional manual methods. Manual removal, however, cannot eradicate all the roots, and other methods such as burning or biological control may adversely affect the ecosystem. Through his experiments and practices, James found chemical control to be the most reliable method.
James’s initial idea of getting into the agriculture drone industry was to be able to AI detect and spot spray nodding thistles, a noxious weed that farmers typically spot spray through traditional methods, primarily manual spraying off quad bikes or side-by-sides. Manual removal can’t remove all the roots, burning might destroy the ecosystem, biological control has limited option and might bring risks to the local ecosystem. And chemical control is the most reliable method according to Jame’s experiments and practices.
So, he did quite a bit research into spray drones, mapping drones and started to provide service with a T20 two and a half years before.
To carry out this method, he undertook extensive research into spray drones and mapping drones and began to provide services with a T20 drone two and a half years ago.
1. Aerial surveying with Mavic 3M or other multispectral drones
These drones can survey 57 hectares in 30 minutes with centimeter-level accuracy. The drones’ terrain-follow feature adjusts the flight height based on the actual terrain of the pasture field. The multispectral and RGB cameras efficiently monitor pasture growth and accurately identify weed locations.
2. DJI Terra Image Reconstruction – weed recognition (with AI tool)
3. Create 3D Flight Path
4. Agriculture drone operation (T40)
Operation Parameters
| Model | Agras T40 | Flow rate | 50L/ha |
| Height | 3 – 6 m depending on terrain and the height of trees | Line Space | 7.5 m |
| Speed | 18 km/hr (5 m/s) | ||
Enhancing Operation Safety & Reducing Labor Intensity: The Significance of Agricultural Drones
Using drones in agriculture significantly enhances operational safety and reduces labor intensity. Pastures in Australia are often located on steep slopes, making it challenging for traditional machinery and vehicles to access them. Drone technology allows operators to work at a safe distance with minimal chemical exposure.
50% Cost Savings Achieved with 51% Chemical Reduction
Using agricultural drones for weed management can result in a 50% cost reduction and a 51% reduction in chemical usage. They cover various pasture management needs such as fertilizer management, weed control, pest and disease control, soil, and seed management. The benefits of these solutions are increasingly recognized in Gloucester, where James’s service team is based.
Breakdown:
| Total Area | Area sprayed | Application cost | Chemical Cost | Total Cost | |
| Drone | 300 ha | 153 ha | 17,000 AUD10,947 USD | 38,250 AUD 24,631 USD | 55,250 AUD 35579 USD |
| Helicopter | 300 ha | 300 ha | 37,500 AUD24,148 USD | 75,000 AUD 48,297 USD | 112,500 AUD 72445 USD |
Advancing Eco-Friendly Agriculture: Towards a Sustainable Future
In addition to the economic benefits, precision spraying reduces damage to the local ecosystem. Traditional spraying methods, like helicopter sprays, often result in non-targeted species being killed, causing unintended plant destruction and potential harm to local ecosystems.
Precision farming, which combines multispectral and agriculture drone technologies, is a revolutionary technique that enhances the efficiency and productivity of agricultural production. It allows farmers to apply fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides accurately and sustainably, thus paving the way towards a sustainable future in agriculture.