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Smarter Spraying Starts Here
Variable-Rate Application & Spray Drones
Transform the way you apply crop inputs with aerial spraying and spreading drones built for data-driven agriculture. From liquid pesticide, herbicide, and fungicide application to granular seeding and fertilization, UAVs enable ultra-targeted treatment across diverse crops and conditions. Variable-rate application strategies, powered by NDVI, multispectral data, and high-resolution field intelligence, optimize coverage, reduce waste, and protect yield.
Targeted Inputs. Proven ROI.
Why Use Drones for Variable-Rate Application & Precision Spraying or Spreading?
Traditional spraying methods often result in blanket coverage, overspending on inputs, and unintentional runoff. Drones unlock ultra-targeted, variable-rate application powered by field-level intelligence. Whether you're deploying autonomous spray paths from NDVI maps or covering inaccessible terrain, UAV sprayers and spreaders streamline application while improving accuracy, traceability, and efficiency.
- Data-Driven Precision Targeting
Leverage NDVI and prescription maps to guide flight paths and application rates, ensuring treatments match actual in-field variability. - Reduced Input Waste & Overspray
Apply only where needed—minimizing chemical drift and cutting herbicide, fungicide, and fertilizer usage by 30–50% in targeted zones. - Efficient Coverage Across Challenging Terrain
Drones reach steep slopes, wet soil, and remote plots where ground rigs can’t operate—improving coverage and eliminating re-entry wait times. - Autonomous, Repeatable Flight Plans
Pre-programmed spray missions enable consistent application, automated return-to-home, and built-in obstacle avoidance for safer operations. - Lower Labor & Fuel Costs
Eliminate the need for heavy equipment and multiple passes—reducing labor hours, compaction, and fuel consumption across the season. - Environmental Stewardship & Recordkeeping
Precision application reduces runoff risk and improves EPA compliance, with flight logs and digital prescriptions offering traceable application records.
Real Situations. Real Results.
Use Cases for Variable-Rate Application & Spraying/Spreading
Post-Emergence Weed Control
Target persistent regrowth and reduce herbicide use with zoned, variable-rate spraying.
- Spot Treatment for Regrowth: NDVI analysis highlights regrowth patches post-cultivation for localized chemical application.
- Buffer Zone Precision: Drones apply herbicides with pinpoint accuracy near waterways or organic fields, reducing overspray risk.
Fungicide Applications During Critical Growth Stages
Protect yield potential by applying preventive fungicides precisely when and where they’re needed most.
- Stage-Timed Application: Deploy drones during tassel, silking, or canopy closure without risking ground compaction.
- NDVI-Guided Targeting: Vegetation indices isolate high-density, high-risk zones for disease outbreaks requiring preemptive coverage.
Granular Fertilizer Topdressing
Deliver late-season nutrients with precision without damaging crops or compacting wet soil.
- Field-Access Flexibility: Spreader drones apply fertilizer over soft or saturated ground where tractors can't reach.
- Variable Rate Based on Soil Zones: Prescription maps enable zone-specific nutrient delivery aligned to soil fertility levels.
Cover Crop Seeding After Harvest
Reduce soil erosion and build organic matter with aerial broadcast seeding across harvested fields.
- No-Till Seeding Efficiency: Drones spread cover crops like rye or clover without disturbing soil structure or residue.
- Broadcast Flexibility: Cover inaccessible or oddly shaped plots quickly and uniformly, bypassing traditional drill limitations.
Rescue Treatments for Pest Outbreaks
Respond quickly to sudden insect pressure with targeted pesticide application across affected zones.
- Rapid Mobilization: Drones can be deployed within minutes of detection to contain outbreaks before they spread.
- Data-Backed Coverage: RGB and NDVI layers pinpoint defoliation hotspots, ensuring treatment precision and reducing chemical waste.
Micronutrient & Foliar Feed Application
Apply supplemental nutrients in-season to correct deficiencies and improve crop quality metrics.
- Canopy Condition Monitoring: Multispectral imagery identifies nutrient-deficient zones for focused correction.
- Even Foliar Distribution: Drones deliver consistent, low-volume coverage for foliar feeds across dense canopies.
Find the right UAS for your operations
Variable-Rate Application & Precision Spraying/Spreading Packages
We have a wide variety of enterprise drone solutions to help you and your team accomplish your jobs quicker and easier. see our recommended drone packages below or give us a call and get a customized quote for your needs.
Mavic 3 Multispectral
See More, Work Smarter
Effective aerial surveying needs to see the invisible. That's why Mavic 3 Multispectral has two forms of sight. It combines an RGB camera with a multispectral camera to scan and analyze crop growth with total clarity. Agricultural production management requires precision and data, and Mavic 3M delivers both.
- 4/3 CMOS RGB Camera
- 4 x 5 MP G/R/RE/NIR Multispectral Sensor
- Up to 200 hectares per flight
- 45-min Max Flight Time
- Built-in Sunlight Sensor
- Centimeter-level Positioning with RTK
DJI AGRAS T50
Ready, steady, go
The DJI Agras T50 elevates agricultural drone operations with its powerful coaxial twin-rotor propulsion system and split-type torque-resistant structure, ensuring exceptional stability while carrying heavy payloads. Equipped with a Dual Atomizing Spraying System, Front and Rear Phased Array Radars, and a Binocular Vision System, the AGRAS T50 excels in surveying, spraying, and spreading tasks, delivering reliable and efficient performance across diverse agricultural scenarios.
- Heavy Payload Capacity: Carries up to 40 kg spraying or 50 kg spreading payloads
- High Flow Rate: Sprays 16 L/min and spreads 108 kg/min for large-scale operations
- Enhanced Signal Stability: Offline operations with 2 km O3 Transmission and optional DJI Relay
- All Scenario Adaptability: Fully automatic and manual modes, Orchard Mode, and Variable Rate Application
- Multidirectional Obstacle Sensing: Advanced obstacle avoidance and terrain following up to 50°
DJI AGRAS T25
A little smaller. A little smarter
The DJI Agras T25 redefines standards for compact agricultural drones with its lightweight, foldable design, making it easy for solo operation. Capable of carrying up to 20 kg spraying or 25 kg spreading payloads, the T25 is equipped with Front and Rear Phased Array Radars, a Binocular Vision System, and a high-resolution FPV gimbal camera. Supporting multiple missions from surveying to spraying and spreading, the AGRAS T25 excels across diverse terrains, ensuring efficient and reliable agricultural operations.
- Light and Nimble: Foldable design for easy handling and solo operations
- Heavy Payload Capacity: Carries up to 20 kg spraying or 25 kg spreading payloads
- High Flow Rate: Sprays 16 L/min and spreads 72 kg/min for efficient coverage
- Enhanced Signal Stability: Offline operations with 2 km O3 Transmission and optional DJI Relay
- Multidirectional Obstacle Sensing: Advanced obstacle avoidance and terrain following up to 50°
Hylio ARES (HYL-150)
Maximize Your Production
The Hylio ARES (HYL-150) is a high-capacity, NDAA-compliant agricultural drone engineered for large-scale spraying and spreading. Combining a powerful 220 lb. max takeoff weight, rapid battery swap capability, and fully autonomous or manual operation, the ARES delivers unmatched productivity—covering up to 120 acres per hour—without compromising precision or reliability.
- Up to 70 acres/hour liquid application; 120 acres/hour granular spreading
- Fully autonomous or manual control for up to three UAS from one GroundLink station
- Integrated obstacle detection and altimetry with multi-directional radar coverage
- 18S30Ah LiPo battery system with 20–25 min dual-battery recharge
- Durable, serviceable design built for heavy-duty, all-weather field operations
Hylio AG-210 AgriDrone
Texas-sized AgriDrone built for large-scale farming
The Hylio AG-210 delivers big results in a nimble form factor, making it a powerful tool for large-scale farming operations. Equipped with a 2.5-gallon tank, 20-foot swath width, and the same advanced autonomous software found in Hylio’s largest models, it can cover up to 15 acres per hour—or multiply that output when deployed in coordinated multi-drone fleets.
- Up to 15 acres/hour coverage at 1 GPA rate
- 2.5-gallon spray tank with precision TeeJet nozzles
- Fully autonomous or manual control via GroundLink station
- Integrated obstacle avoidance and RTK-compatible GPS
- Lightweight, durable design ideal for targeted or multi-drone operations
Hylio AG-272 AgriDrone
The Biggest Spray Drone on the Market
The Hylio AG-272 is the largest spray drone on the market, purpose-built for high-acreage operations. With an 18-gallon tank, 40-foot swath width, and the ability to cover up to 50 acres per hour at a 2 GPA rate, it’s the go-to platform for producers and applicators aiming to treat hundreds or even thousands of acres in a single day.
- 18-gallon capacity with precision TeeJet nozzles and electronic flowmeters
- Up to 50 acres/hour coverage at 2 GPA application rate
- Fully autonomous or manual control via GroundLink station
- Advanced obstacle avoidance with near-spherical radar coverage
- Durable eight-rotor design built for continuous, heavy-duty field operations
Hylio AG-230 AgriDrone
Build for Large Scale Operations
The Hylio AG-230 is built to take on industrial-scale spraying with speed and precision. Featuring dual 4-gallon tanks for a total of 8 gallons, a 35-foot swath width, and the ability to cover up to 50 acres per hour at a 1 GPA rate, it’s a powerful solution for producers and applicators managing large-acreage operations—whether operating solo or as part of a multi-drone fleet.
- 8-gallon total capacity (2 x 4-gallon tanks) with precision TeeJet nozzles
- Up to 50 acres/hour coverage at 1 GPA application rate
- Fully autonomous or manual control via GroundLink station
- Integrated obstacle avoidance and RTK-compatible GPS
- Durable eight-rotor design for heavy-duty, all-day operations
Hylio AG-216 AgriDrone
Designed for Versatility
The Hylio AG-216 is a proven, field-tested spraying platform engineered for adaptability. With a 4.5-gallon tank, 25-ft swath, and up to 27.5 acres/hour coverage at a 1 GPA rate, it’s equally at home tackling targeted applications or contributing to larger coordinated fleets. Built with aerospace-grade materials and equipped with advanced autonomy, it delivers consistent results in diverse field conditions.
- 4.5-gallon capacity with precision TeeJet nozzles and electronic flowmeters
- Up to 25-ft swath; 27.5 acres/hour coverage at 1 GPA
- Fully autonomous or manual control via GroundLink station; operate up to three UAS
- Integrated obstacle-avoidance radars and RTK-compatible GPS
- Reliable six-rotor design built for year-round, heavy-duty operations
Pix4DFields
Advanced agriculture mapping software for aerial crop analysis and digital farming
Pix4Dfields is a product built from the input of farmers, agronomists and breeders to give you fast and accurate maps while in the field, with simple yet powerful interface fully dedicated to agriculture. One product for all of your drone-based agricultural workflows.
- Fast & Accurate Processing: Process imagery with the PIX4Dfields instant processing engine and achieve results in minutes
- Generate Indices: Use the predefined list of agricultural indices or input your own custom index formula to understand plant stress better.
- Zonate and Prescribe: Aggregate the information from the vegetation index maps into zones and assign application rates.
- Compare: Link different layers of information and compare your crop trends over time in a split or a double screen.
- Measure and Annotate: Add annotations and measure important farm areas.
- Calculate Statistics: Calculate mean and standard deviation for DSM, index layers as well as for area annotations.
- Export PDF Report: Share your maps with all project stakeholders and team for seamless collaboration using PIX4Dfields PDF report tool.
Aerobotics Aeroview
Take precise action to achieve your optimal yields
The Aeroview® web-based platform is your centralized hub for farming with a range of tools and insights to optimize agricultural operations. From farm digitization to data analysis, Aeroview® offers comprehensive, end-to-end functionality. Farmers and their teams have access to plant-level insights and a suite of features to take timely and informed action, as well as reports for critical in-season and harvest decisions.
- Take action on underperforming areas: Identify areas with nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, diseases or irrigation issues earlier than ever before and track the success of your practices over time.
- Make every drop count : Achieving a good yield requires optimal water and nutrients for each and every plant. With our transpiration insights, you can respond to automatically detected irrigation problems, see the actual uniformity of your irrigation strategies and manage hardware maintenance more effectively.
- Manage and maximize your plant inventory: aAdvanced tree counting technology gives you full visibility of your plant count per block, per crop and cultivar. Easily find tree gaps and underperforming areas which can be replanted to maximize your production opportunity. Plan and manage replanting programs and get the best return on investment.
- Know your yields every season: Monitor the progression of the season and take action where your crop needs it the most.
Solvi
All-in-one solution for drone-based crop monitoring
Solvi offers a complete solution for drone-based crop monitoring so you can make better decisions about your crops.
- Monitor Crops at Plant Level with PlantAI™: Collect precise data on the number of plants in the field, as well as the unique characteristics of every plant. Use it for accurate yield estimations, insurance claims, or field trials.
- Digitize Field Trials Efficiently: With Zonal Statistics you can recreate the digital copy of any field trial in minutes. Generate plots, calculate statistics & export to SHP and Excel - all in a few simple steps.
- Spot problem areas and take actions: Understand which parts of the field perform better and which worse, turn them into management zones and adjust your inputs precisely with high-resolution prescription files.
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Ready to build your UAS program?
Get a full, personalized system built for your specific needs. Our expert team can assess your situation, and recommend the best drone system for your organization.
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Variable-Rate Application & Spray/Spread Drones FAQ
What is variable-rate application (VRA) in agriculture?
Variable-rate application is the practice of applying crop inputs—such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or seeds—at different rates across a field based on need. Data from NDVI maps, soil sampling, or scouting guides where to apply more or less product, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
How do drones perform variable-rate spraying?
Drones equipped with spray tanks, pumps, and precision nozzles can adjust flow rates in real time according to prescription maps. The UAV follows a pre-programmed flight path, applying only the amount needed in each zone, rather than blanket coverage.
Can spray drones replace traditional ground rigs or manned aircraft?
In many cases, drones complement rather than replace larger equipment. They excel at targeted applications, small to mid-sized fields, and areas where terrain or crop stage make tractor or aircraft access difficult.
How many acres can a spray drone cover per hour?
Coverage depends on tank capacity, spray rate, flight speed, and field layout. Smaller models may cover 10–15 acres per hour, while larger-capacity drones can exceed 40 acres per hour under ideal conditions.
Do drones reduce chemical drift compared to traditional methods?
Yes. Flying closer to the crop canopy and using downward airflow from rotors improves spray deposition and reduces drift potential, especially when paired with low-drift nozzles and optimal weather conditions.
What types of inputs can be applied with drones?
Drones can apply liquid pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, foliar feeds, and liquid fertilizers. Spreader-equipped drones can broadcast granular fertilizers, cover crop seed, or biological agents.
How accurate is a drone for spraying or spreading?
GPS-enabled autopilot systems and terrain-following sensors help maintain consistent altitude and swath width. When combined with prescription maps, accuracy can reach within a few inches of the target zone.
What regulatory approvals are needed to operate a spray drone?
In the U.S., operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with state pesticide applicator licensing. Additional FAA waivers may be required for drones over 55 lbs or for night operations.
Can drones spray in windy or rainy conditions?
Light winds are manageable, but excessive wind increases drift risk. Rain can dilute inputs and reduce effectiveness, so most spraying is done in calm, dry weather for optimal results.
How do drones integrate with NDVI and other crop health maps?
Multispectral or satellite imagery is processed into prescription maps that are uploaded to the drone’s mission planner. The UAV then adjusts application rates in each zone according to map data.
Are spraying drones cost-effective for small farms?
Yes, especially for targeted applications, test plots, or specialty crops. They reduce labor costs, save inputs, and enable precise treatments without the overhead of large equipment.
Can drones apply cover crops effectively?
Yes. Spreader drones can broadcast cover crop seed across fields after harvest or into standing crops, reaching areas that ground seeders might miss.
How long does it take to set up a drone spraying mission?
Once maps and flight plans are prepared, setup typically takes 10–20 minutes, including pre-flight checks, tank filling, and battery loading.
Do spraying drones damage crops during application?
No. Drones fly above the canopy and avoid physical contact with plants, eliminating the trampling and compaction risks of ground rigs.
What maintenance is required for spraying and spreading drones?
Routine maintenance includes rinsing tanks and lines after each use, inspecting nozzles for wear, checking propellers, and ensuring firmware is up to date. Pumps and batteries should be serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Helping you get started
Ready to build your UAS program?
Give us a call and get a full, personalized system built for your specific needs. Our expert team can assess your situation, and recommend the best drone system for your organization.