Agricultural drones may not reduce pesticide consumption

While agricultural drones are often promoted as an eco-friendly solution for precision farming, technological and biological factors may prevent a reduction in total pesticide use. Using sensors and AI, drones can target specific areas of a field, but this localized approach presents significant agronomic challenges.

One major issue is the development of pest resistance. Targeted spraying can leave surviving organisms at the edges of treated zones, which may quickly evolve resistance to chemicals. This often forces farmers to use higher concentrations or more aggressive chemical cocktails to protect crops.

Additionally, drones have limited carrying capacities, typically between 10 and 50 liters. Unlike traditional tractor sprayers that use large volumes of water to coat crops, drones must use ultra-concentrated solutions to remain effective, which may offset the intended environmental benefits.