sUAS – “Drones” – Applications in County Programming
Extension Education
Grant Beckwith
CEA-Agriculture
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Stuttgart
Abstract
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, have become an increasingly valuable tool in row crop agriculture. Equipped with various sensors, drones can perform a wide range of tasks, including monitoring crop health, identifying potential field issues, mapping crops with high-resolution imagery, and gathering elevation data for improved irrigation system design. These capabilities help farmers make more informed management decisions, ultimately improving productivity and resource efficiency.
Beyond individual farm operations, drones are also proving to be an asset in county programming. They enhance efficiency in data collection by reducing the time required for field assessments and increasing the accuracy of the gathered data. One significant application is the use of drones to collect elevation data for optimizing furrow irrigation systems. The drone’s ability to gather continuous elevation points along polypipe allows for more precise computer-generated hole selection, leading to improved water distribution and conservation.
As drone technology continues to advance, its applications in agriculture and county programming will likely expand. By integrating sUAS into these programs, professionals can enhance decision-making, reduce labor costs, and improve overall agricultural sustainability. The continued adoption of drones represents a promising step forward in precision agriculture and resource management.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Grant Beckwith
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Beckwith, G. CEA-Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Arkansas, 72160