Využitie bezpilotných lietajúcich prostriedkov na príklade agrotechnických aplikácií pri pestovaní maku siateho/ Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Agrotechnic Applications: Example of Planting Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gradually becoming part of precision agriculture. Advanced UAV technology can now assemble major information on the stand and the location where agricultural crops are grown. By processing, correct interpretation and supplementing the data with soil analysis, it is possible to prepare follow-up interventions which reduce the costs of fertilisers and pesticides and protect both the soil and the environment. This paper uses the example of poppy cultivation to assess UAV use in practice and to determine the best procedures for applying precision agriculture technologies and subsequent economic benefits derived from this method. Herein, we produced multi-spectral images of monitored poppy-sown areas during the growing season. These were then used to monitor the development of plants from emergence to harvest. We obtained important information on the the soil properties at the cultivated localities, and subsequently created data for the precise application of nutrients and appropriate agrotechnical interventions to ensure the elimination of pests and plant diseases.

Keywords

• drones
• precision agriculture
• opium poppy (papaver somniferum l.)