Case studies by crop · Arable

Corn in Turkey (Agras T40)

DJI Agriculture case study, collected by FLYDROPS.

In Central Anatolia, Turkey, a farmer who has treated 400 hectares sprayed corn with an Agras T40 drone instead of a tractor and the irrigation system. The study records a higher yield, half the product volume and much less time.

The treated field.

At a glance

Location	Central Anatolia, Turkey
Crop	Corn
Drone	DJI Agras T40
Application	Insecticide application, 29–30 July 2023
Area treated so far	400 hectares in two years
Farmer	Haluk Yıldız

The study uses the T40, an earlier generation. The current range is DJI Agras T100, T70P, T55 and T25P; find which one fits your acreage or compare the models.

The challenge

Corn in the region is attacked by insects, first the Mediterranean corn borer (Sesamia nonagrioides), plus mites and whitefly. Spraying tall corn with a tractor has two problems: it can destroy up to 5% of the crop (a loss of $125–250 per hectare, per the study) and it does not give the precision required.

In tall corn the tractor drives between the plants and damages them.

What was done

The farmer learned about DJI drones in 2022 and sprayed with an Agras T40 in automatic mode. The study explains why the T40 suited the region’s undulating fields: it follows the terrain, the droplet size is adjustable and it has obstacle sensing.

Flight parameters for insecticide (T40/T50):

spray volume 10–20 L/ha,
droplet size 100–350 µm,
speed about 25–28 km/h,
route spacing 7–9 m,
height above the crop 3–4 m.

The results

Measure	Before	With drone
Yield	15 t/ha	18 t/ha
Product volume per application	900 ml/ha	450 ml/ha
Spraying time	Hours (through the irrigation system, not an effective method)	1 hour
Labour cost	$0/ha	$10/ha
Profit (per the study)	$5,000	$6,000

The numbers come from the study and relate to that specific application.

The farmer said the drone penetrates very well, especially for pest control, reduces the product used and saves time, and that he will keep using it.

What it means for Greece

Corn is grown in Greece too, mainly in Thessaly, Macedonia and Thrace, and the Mediterranean corn borer is known here as well. Turkey is a neighbour with a similar climate. In tall corn the problem is common: a tractor cannot fit without damage. The numbers come from one field; your own yields depend on variety, water and timing.

See also the corn study we already have on the site, and plant stand counting with a drone.

Rules and responsibilities

In Greece, applying plant protection products from the air, drones included, is prohibited as a rule and allowed only by derogation with a special permit. The study shows what happened in another country; it does not mean the same application is allowed in Greece. The product label always applies, and we do not repeat doses or products here. See the framework in the spraying drone buying guide and confirm it with the competent authority.