4 Big Reasons Why Drones and Macadamia Farming Make Complete Sense
Could this be the perfect AgTech couple?
In recent years, the agricultural sector has witnessed a revolutionary transformation in the way traditional farming practices are conducted.
One of the most groundbreaking innovations has been the utilisation of drones to replace (or accompany) various farming operations.
In particular, the use of drones in macadamia farming has emerged as a noticeable game-changer.
With expansive orchard territories, and rising costs of inputs, there’s a fine line being drawn between that which simply works “well enough” and that which is reliable, works really well, and fast.
A summary of the 4 big reasons I think drones are a perfect fit:
Support Data-backed Decisions
Efficient and Cost-Effective Monitoring
Support Environmental Sustainability Efforts
Precise High-Resolution Information Compared to Alternatives
“Drones are offering unparalleled advantages over conventional methods of orchard monitoring and management. And best of all, certain drone surveys are being used to compliment conventional methods that work in specific situations and unique locations.”
For example, in-field soil and leaf sample collections are being guided by drone survey metrics for sampling in areas representing poor, medium, and best performing zones, or to locate individual trees.
This approach not only works with the idea of precision farming but improves on in-field efficiencies and paves the way for data-backed decision making based on data-backed first principles.
Similarly, Macadamia nut quality or nut-in-husk size sampling, is being conducted quickly and easily via AI-generated sample tree locations (AKA Smart Sampling).
Sample points are generated working off actual drone survey metrics, providing exact waypoints for in-field collections from trees that are the most representative in terms of the orchard.
Methods like these are critical for weighted extrapolations that provide holistic orchard figures and accurate per-orchard information better than any thumb-suck or seasoned glance at the orchard could possibly provide.
Best of all, drone-based solutions are not only proving useful in conjunction with traditional practices, but UAV solutions can be stacked into a suite of high-impact technological aids.
An example of leveraging a multi-layer tech plan (AKA Solution Stacking) would be something like:
Make use of drone surveys to pick up high stress zones.
A targeted in-field inspection is done, revealing a nutrient deficiency, or pest prevalence above a predetermined threshold.
A spraying drone is deployed to apply foliar feed fertiliser, bio-stimulants, growth inhibitors, pest control bait, etc… either broadly in zones, variably across the field, or by way of spot-spraying.
Additionally… Drones can be deployed to administer beneficial insects (predatory insects) to an area swiftly an efficiently where there’s an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy that calls for it.
This is opposed to the spraying or baiting approach - or doing hand-releases - and the choice of application would be scenario specific.
However, release by drone can be done across orchards, quickly. The costs are comparable to hand-releases (cost of insects) and oftentimes come in more affordable with bulk orders.
Using tech in ways like these frees up labour capacity, enhances the effectiveness of resources. And stacking applicable tech solutions is fast becoming the new norm.
With drone technologies that support farming operations, one can take as broad or as granular approach as is necessary or feasible.
As always, we need to take into account costs, time, expertise, and hardware / Service provider availability.
Tech-stacking solutions, and pairing these with in-field operations and “on-paper” strategies can bring about some amazing results.
Drone use in farming is all about using leverage (with streamlined interoperability) for increased efficiencies and optimal efficacy of any efforts. Particularly resources spent on improving orchard performance overall.
When executed correctly, drone use and farming can prove to be a true ROI value creation machine.
Together with sustainable practices, I am convinced that this type of machine will stand the test of time.
Have you heard?
There’s a new macadamia-specific book coming out.
Drone use, and all the specifics you need to know to get the most out of the tech.
Join the waiting list and get notified as soon as it gets published.
There’s also a free online course to accompany the book, based on all of the best content, with concise summaries of each chapter, and covering all the main concepts.
