Agricultural drones gain traction in Argentina amid El Niño rains

Agricultural drones are increasingly being utilized in Argentina to manage crops during the El Niño phenomenon, which brings increased precipitation and saturated soil. When heavy rains prevent heavy terrestrial machinery from entering fields, drones provide a way to apply pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides without depending on soil trafficability.

Experts, including Matías Fernández Koller from Bidcom Agro, emphasize that successful drone application requires more than just operating the aircraft. Because drones often use lower water volumes and more concentrated mixtures, precise calibration, specific agronomic criteria, and specialized training are essential to ensure effectiveness.

Timely intervention is critical to prevent weeds from becoming larger and more resistant, and to stop the spread of pests and diseases. The National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA) is also evaluating drone use in humid and sloped environments where traditional machinery faces restrictions.