Agri-drone economics
Drone vs sprayer application: cost/ha, crop loss, payback
Parameters
Agri-drone (DJI Agras etc.): pesticide/desiccant/spot application — no wheel tracks (a sprayer crushes 1–3% of yield), precise on wet soil, works when machinery can't enter. Output 5–15 ha/hr depending on flow rate. Cons: spray volume limits (10–30 l/ha), flight permits and chemical safety needed. Often buying the service beats buying the drone.
Economics
- Sprayer (with losses)
- 232 000 грн
- Drone service
- 140 000 грн
- Saving/season
- 92 000 грн
- Own drone payback
- 7.1 seasons