By Doug Houser
This is a practical guide for making applications with a spray drone and selecting a custom spray drone applicator.
A spray drone is an aerial application tool. Safe and effective use depends on following the pesticide label, meeting federal and Iowa requirements, selecting suitable field and weather conditions, and confirming application performance through calibration and records.
Before Any Application
- Confirm the product label permits aerial application. Follow all label directions, including rate, carrier volume, droplet size, buffers, wind limits, crop stage, preharvest interval and restricted-entry interval.
- Confirm the pilot, aircraft and applicator meet current FAA and Iowa requirements. Requirements differ by aircraft weight and operation; verify rather than assume.
- Walk or map the field. Identify people, homes, roads, power lines, trees, livestock, waterways, sensitive crops, organic fields, beehives and other areas that need protection.
- Make a written application plan. Include the field boundary, product and rate, spray volume, flight height, speed, effective swath, refill location, emergency landing areas and nearby sensitive sites.
- Stop if conditions, equipment or the label do not support a safe application.
Source : iastate.edu