How to Add Additional Revenue this Fall with Your Spray Drone

Oct 12, 2023

It’s no secret that innovation is the key to success when it comes to the world of agriculture. Farmers and contractors are constantly seeking new ways to maximize their yields and revenue while minimizing their impact on the environment. One such innovation that is taking the agricultural world by storm is the combination of cover crops and drones. We sat down with Zach Hanner, our Trials Manager at Rantizo, to explore the incredible benefits of this dynamic duo.

The Benefits of Cover Crops

Cover crops have become a vital component of crop management for several reasons:

Weed Suppression : Cover crops act as a natural weed suppressor, reducing the need for herbicides.

Soil Health : They break up soil compaction, increasing water infiltration and root penetration.
Biodiversity : Adding biodiversity to the soil improves its overall health and resilience.
Organic Matter : Cover crops increase organic matter levels, enhancing soil fertility.
Erosion Control : They prevent soil erosion, preserving valuable topsoil.
Nutrient Enhancement : Cover crops add nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Environmental Benefits : They prevent fertilizer and pesticide runoff and leaching, benefiting water quality.
Livestock Grazing : Cover crops can provide extended grazing capabilities for livestock.
Carbon Sequestration : They contribute to carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change.

Revolutionizing Cover Crop Management with Drones

Traditionally, cover crop seeds can be either planted/drilled or broadcast applied to a field. While the former offers high efficiency and germination rates, it’s constrained by the timing of the previous crop’s harvest. This is where drones come into play. Drones have revolutionized cover crop management in the following ways:

Flexible Timing : Drones allow producers to pick the optimal time for cover crop application, aligning it with favorable weather conditions for successful germination.
Seed-to-Soil Contact : Drones ensure good seed-to-soil contact, crucial for germination.
Low Altitude Operation : Drones operate at lower altitudes compared to airplanes and helicopters, resulting in more consistent and even seed distribution.
Access to Challenging Fields : Drones can reach fields that are otherwise difficult to access with traditional equipment providing more options for cover crop acres.

Seeding Cover Crops with Drones – A Seamless Process

Drones follow automated flight routes, covering every acre of the field, ensuring 100% coverage. The process of seeding cover crops with drones is remarkably straightforward. “Because the process closely mirrors our spraying operations, Rantizo farmers and pilots can easily add and cross off seeding from the to-do list with minimal input,” says Hanner.

Positive Feedback from the Field

“Farmers and contractors who have embraced cover crop seeding with drones have reported healthier soil and heavier pockets.” Cover crops are gaining traction across the United States due to their inherent benefits, and with the precision and efficiency of Rantizo’s drone technology, those benefits and extra profits are within reach.

Have questions? Need acres planted? Contact Rantizo at sales@rantizo.com to get connected!

The post How to Add Additional Revenue this Fall with Your Spray Drone appeared first on Rantizo.

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Rantizo Certified Technician Helping Drone Operator

Why Do I Need Spray Drone Support?

02 May, 2024

As spray drone technology continues to evolve, operators often encounter challenges requiring expert support. From calibration uncertainties and warranty repairs to technical troubleshooting and regulatory questions, the complexities can be daunting. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just starting out, here’s how a support package can benefit your business. 1. Calibration Questions Calibrating your drone helps ensure correct readings for more precise spray coverage. A support team can provide peace of mind that you’ve completed the process correctly, allowing you to fly with confidence. For example, calibrating your drone helps in getting a correct report on targeted vs. actual gallons per acre sprayed following a job. Common questions asked: How do I calibrate the spray system of the drone? How often do I need to calibrate my drone? Why should I calibrate my drone? 2. Warranty Repairs If your drone malfunctions or breaks down, maintain your warranty and investment by having a Certified Technician to assist with repairs. Find a team that can help you facilitate the process and provide clear instructions to help you get back to work efficiently. Common questions asked: Why am I receiving an error message? My drone is having malfunctions that I can’t figure out. Can you help? What documents do I need to complete for warranty repairs? Why is my pump not spraying? 3. Technical Troubleshooting Technology isn’t perfect and errors do occur. Troubleshooting errors alone can be a headache. Having a drone expert you can call for help will make it easier to solve these tricky problems and get you back in the air faster. Common Questions asked: Why is my drone giving me a pump error message? Why am I getting ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) errors? Why is my charger not fast charging? Why am I getting kicked into manual flight mode? Why is my RTK not connecting? Why won’t my drone take off? 4. Regulatory Questions Starting an FAA-compliant spray drone business can be intimidating. But with the right support team, you can confidently ask any regulatory question, basic or advanced. Common questions asked: How close can I fly to an airport? What do I need if the FAA shows up and questions me? How far away from roads do I need to be? How long does my medical card last? Why did my registration get denied? 5. Basic Operation Questions Quick questions deserve a quick answer. Especially when that question could directly affect your in-field performance. When choosing a support team, ensure that you reach a real person via call, text or email who can supply that quick answer to get you back in the air. Common questions asked: How to only spray a field boundary? What is the optimal gpa to spray fungicide? What should I set my swath width at if I’m spraying a pasture? What should my chemical mixture be to spray 30 acres of wheat at 2gpa? Where should I set up my RTK? 6. In-Field Repairs Downtime is lost revenue. With a support package, you can get the support you need to get back in the air quickly. Call in with a quick repair question or troubleshoot a larger issue with a Certified Technician. They can advise on in-field repairs or schedule your drone for repairs at our shop. Common questions asked: How do I change the propellers? Why aren’t the pumps spraying at max rate? How do I change the hopper gate on the dry spreader? How do I lock the battery in? 7. Product Recommendations At times, a fresh perspective is essential. Ensure that the drone support package you choose comes with a dedicated support line, offering top-notch advice on products such as generators, nozzles, components, or personal protective equipment. Common questions asked: What is the best propeller to use? What nozzles are best for fungicide? What is the best generator for my set up? Where can I buy a mixing tank? This season, make sure you have reliable support that you can count on. For more information on support packages available from Rantizo, visit www.rantizo.com/our-services or request a quote today.