Precision Application - What is it and what does it do?
Precision drone spraying is a modern, data-driven approach to crop application that delivers inputs exactly where they are needed, when they are needed. Unlike traditional boom spraying, which applies product across entire fields regardless of variation, drone technology allows for highly targeted, efficient, and controlled application.
Using advanced GPS guidance, terrain mapping, and intelligent flight planning, our drones follow pre-defined routes with centimetre-level accuracy. This ensures consistent coverage across the entire field while eliminating overlaps, gaps, and unnecessary application.
Whether applying pesticides, herbicides, fungicides (when regulation allows) or liquid fertilisers, pod-stick and biostimulants drone spraying provides a level of control and flexibility that conventional machinery simply cannot match.
How Does it work?
Before any application takes place, fields can be mapped and analysed to identify specific areas that require treatment. Using advanced drone technology, we assess crop health and generate accurate flight paths that take into account field shape, terrain, and obstacles — ensuring optimal coverage across the entire area.
We utilise multispectral drones such as the DJI Mavic 3M, equipped with both RGB and multispectral sensors capable of capturing data across different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Each sensor records detailed information about crop condition, allowing for in-depth analysis of plant health and variability across the field.
This data can be used to generate vegetation indices such as NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index), which clearly highlight areas of strong growth and areas under stress. By identifying these variations, we can target applications precisely where they are needed — and avoid applying product where it isn’t.
Using this approach, prescription maps can be created to guide application rates across the field. Rather than blanket spraying, inputs are applied only where required, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary usage.
The Result
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Reduced Input Costs: Save up to 10–15% on chemicals and fertilisers through targeted application
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Improved Crop Performance: Treat problem areas more effectively while avoiding over-application
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Greater Efficiency: Focus time and resources where they deliver the most value
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Stronger ROI: In many cases, savings in inputs can exceed the cost of the service itself
During application, the drone maintains a consistent height and speed, automatically adjusting for changes in terrain. The spray system is calibrated to deliver the correct droplet size and flow rate, helping to minimise drift and improve product adherence to the crop.
The result is a highly controlled, efficient application process that maximises effectiveness while significantly reducing waste.
“Drone technology enables more precise application of crop protection products while reducing waste and environmental impact.”
— CropLife International
1. Increased Accuracy & Coverage
Drone spraying eliminates the inconsistencies often seen with traditional methods. With GPS-guided flight paths and automated controls, every pass is precise — ensuring no missed areas and no double application.
2. Reduced Chemical & Water Usage
By targeting only the areas that require treatment and avoiding overlaps, input usage can be reduced significantly — often by 30–50% or more. This lowers costs while also reducing environmental impact.
3. No Soil Compaction or Crop Damage
Unlike tractors and sprayers, drones operate entirely from above. This removes the risk of:
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Soil compaction
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Crop trampling
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Yield loss from wheel tracks
This is particularly valuable in wet conditions or later growth stages.
4. Access to Difficult Terrain
Drones can operate in areas that are inaccessible or unsafe for machinery, including:
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Waterlogged ground
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Steep or uneven terrain
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Tight or irregular field layouts
This ensures timely application regardless of conditions.
5. Faster Deployment & Flexibility
Drone systems can be deployed quickly with minimal setup time. This allows for:
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Rapid response to changing conditions
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Timely treatment during optimal weather windows
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Reduced downtime compared to traditional equipment
6. Improved Safety
Drone spraying removes the need for operators to be directly exposed to chemicals or work in hazardous environments. All applications are carried out remotely, significantly improving operator safety.
7. Digital Reporting & Traceability
Every job is recorded and logged, providing:
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Coverage maps
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Application data
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Proof of work completed
This supports compliance, record-keeping, and demonstrates clear return on investment.
Okay.. its all sounds great but what does it means for me?
Lets look at an example of how this would effect a 200ha Farm:
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Farm Scenario
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Farm Size: 200 hectares
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Crop: Winter wheat
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Fertiliser Cost: £220 per hectare (typical all-in cost across the season)
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Total Fertiliser Spend:
200 ha × £220 = £44,000
This is where it gets interesting..
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1. Increased Yield from Targeted Application
By applying inputs exactly where they are needed, weaker crop areas receive the correct treatment while stronger areas are not overfed.
Even a 1-3% yield increase is realistic
Example:
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Average wheat yield: 8 tonnes/ha
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Wheat price: £200/tonne
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Farm size: 200 hectares
1% yield increase = +0.08 t/ha
0.08 × £200 × 200 ha = £3,200 additional revenue
3% increase = £9,600 additional revenue
2. No Crop Damage (No Tramlines)
Traditional machinery damages crops through wheelings and tramlines, reducing productive area.
Typical yield loss: 2–4% of field area
Example:
3% crop loss on 200 ha = 6 hectares lost
6 ha × £1,600/ha crop value = £9,600 recovered
3. Improved Soil Health (No Compaction)
Heavy machinery compacts soil, reducing root development, drainage, and long-term productivity.
Harder to quantify annually, but typically worth:
£50–£100/ha long-term value
Example:
200 ha × £50 = £10,000 long-term benefit
(This is often seen through improved yields over time and reduced remediation costs.)
4. Better Timing = Better Results
Drone deployment allows spraying in narrow weather windows when machinery cannot access fields.
Avoiding delays can prevent yield loss of 1–3%
Example:
1.5% yield protection =
£1,600/ha × 200 ha × 1.5% = £4,800 protected revenue
Updated Total Impact
Original Saving (Inputs Only):
£4,400 – £6,600
Additional Gains:
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Yield increase: £3,200 – £9,600
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No crop damage: ~£9,600
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Timing advantage: ~£4,800
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Soil health (long-term): ~£10,000
Total Potential Benefit
Typical total benefit: £3,000 – £15,000+ per year
Service Cost from £6,000 per year (based on ~200 hectares)
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Using multispectral mapping (NDVI) and targeted application:
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Areas of strong crop growth receive reduced input
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Weak areas receive targeted treatment
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Non-productive zones may receive no application
Typical reduction in input usage: 10–15%
Cost Saving
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10% saving: £4,400
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15% saving: £6,600