The agricultural drone industry in Australia is on a significant upward path, according to CEO of Falcon UAV, Phil Lyons, who began taking notice of the potential for the new technology at the end of 2013. The ‘AgEagle technology, which Falcon UAV specializes in, is able to save growers up to 20-25% of their fertilizer and crop treatment costs, according to Mr Lyons. “I focused on the agricultural sector, an area where there are significant and demonstrable benefits,” he tells Fresh Plaza. “The industry is very much in its infancy here in Australia, but the big break through is in the different sensors and cameras available now for drone technology. Advantages for crop health really are incredible.”
Potatoes, root vegetables, all other vegetables and fruit are all crops that have been using the technology overseas, and McCain has contracted UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) companies in the US to carry out ground control and crop health imaging work for their growers. Interest has also peaked with Australian growers trying to get the best yield out of their crops and manage pests. “Potatoes, onions, carrots, there have been massive savings there. Also walnuts and mandarins in the Leeton area of NSW,” says Mr Lyons.
Drone technology can also be applied to crops that have suffered significant losses due to bacterial infections, fungi and diseases this year, including bananas and curcumids such as cucumbers, melons, pumpkin and squash varieties and zucchinis. Queensland and the Northern Territory have both been affected by different crop diseases , and Mr Lyons says he is visiting growers in Queensland in particular to discuss options. Crop drones can assist in early detection, and in determining whether or not an area is clear of a particular disease while minimizing biosecurity costs to growers and communities, he says.
All plant life absorbs and reflects radiation, Mr Lyons explains, and they will absorb the entire colour spectrum, but reflect back mostly greens, and appear green to the human eye. They will also reflect near infrared light. “Any plant that reflects low infrared light is under stress. That could be due to a lack of nutrients, water or an attack from a bacterial pathogen,” he says. “We’re now seeing what the plant is feeling and able to act on it much sooner than we otherwise would be.” This imagery is not visible to the human eye, but can be detected by the drones' spectral camera.
For more information
Phil Lyons
FALCON UAV
Phone: 0416 029 896
E-mail: phil@falconuav.com.au
Website: www.falconuav.com.au