Optimization and Evaluation of Drone Operational Parameters for Enhanced Spray Efficiency in a Peach Tree Orchard

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of drone-based pesticide application in fruit orchards using a DJI Agras T40. Two experiments were conducted: one in a simulated canopy and another in a peach orchard, assessing the effects of operation mode, application volume, flight height, and droplet size on spray coverage, droplet density, droplet diameter, and droplet size uniformity. Three drone operational modes (standard, fruit tree, and spinning) were tested. In the simulated canopy, the spinning mode achieved the highest coverage (20.81%) and droplet density (172.44 drops/cm²), while the standard mode offered the most uniform distribution. In the orchard, the fruit tree mode achieved the highest spray coverage (6.55%) and droplet density (90.09 drops/cm²). The conventional air-blast sprayer provided greater coverage (58.77%) and droplet density (193.11 drops/cm²), the drone treatments however, demonstrated efficient canopy penetration and reduced chemical use, especially in targeted applications. These findings support the potential of optimized drone spraying as a sustainable and efficient alternative for precision agriculture and informed future design improvements for orchard pest management.