Evaluating Drone Spray Coverage in Watermelon Production
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Haley Sater
Agriculture Extension Educator; Agriculture and Food Systems
University of Maryland Extension
Salisbury
Abstract
The use of drones for pesticide and fertilizer applications is expanding in specialty crop production, yet little research exists on optimizing spray parameters for crops like watermelon. This study, funded by the Maryland Delaware Watermelon Growers Association, evaluated the impact of drone flight height on spray coverage uniformity in a commercial watermelon field. In collaboration with a local farmer, a University of Maryland Precision Agriculture Specialist, and a commercial applicator, we conducted field trials using a DJI Agras 40 drone. The experiment compared applications at two flight heights, 8 feet and 10 feet above the crop canopy using water-sensitive paper to measure droplet distribution. Results showed that spray coverage at 8 feet averaged 11%, more than doubling the 5% coverage observed at 10 feet. Droplet sizes were predominantly medium and fine at both heights, which aligns with optimal pesticide application standards for insecticides and fungicides. Drift was low and did not significantly vary between treatments. These findings provide valuable data on best practices for drone-based pesticide applications in specialty crops and highlight the potential for improved efficiency and coverage with optimized drone settings.
Authors: Haley Sater, Hemendra Kumar
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Haley Sater Agriculture Extension Educator; Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21801
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Hemendra Kumar Precision Agriculture Specialist; Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20774