How to Calibrate a Drone

Calibration is a fundamental step in any spray application. To apply the correct product rate, we need to know how much liquid per unit land area is deposited under the sprayer. To conduct the calculations, either manually or through the drone software, we need to know the width of the spray swath. This task requires […]

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Sensor-controlled sprayers for specialty crop production

Many of the application technologies used in specialty crop production today are based on axial fan airblast sprayers (Figure 1). Airblast sprayers were first developed in the 1950s when orchard trees were 6 meters tall or more; today 2-4 meter tall trees are typical. Airblast sprayers are versatile, reliable, and can be modified to fit […]

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Evaluating methods for controlling algae in carrier water storage tanks

This work was performed with Mike Cowbrough, OMAFRA Field Crop Weed Specialist. In the early summer months, many field and specialty crop operations collect rainwater (or possibly pump water from holding ponds) into storage tanks for use as a carrier in spray applications. These tanks may be stationary, or they may be part of a […]

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Droning On and On – RPAS Pilot Certification in Canada

In Canada, the use of drones for pesticide application, otherwise known as Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), is regulated by two Federal Departments: Transport Canada establishes regulations for safe operation and Health Canada for the registration and conditions of use of pest control products. Drones are already used in Canadian agriculture for crop surveillance and […]

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How cameras, computers and cake recipes will drive the future of weed recognition

The idea of controlling weeds individually instead of treating the whole field uniformly makes a lot of sense. Why waste herbicides, till soil unnecessarily or use other weed control methods on areas without weeds? Besides reducing unintended environmental impacts, it means cost savings for the farmer, reduced crop stress and the opportunity to concentrate efforts […]

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