The application of unmanned aerial vehicle in agriculture

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with optical sensors are used more frequently in research aiming at solving numerous problems occurring in agriculture. Particularly noteworthy is the use of these devices to identify plant threats caused by pests. In addition, they are helpful in making decisions on the regulation of nutrient content in soil, irrigation of pastures and arable fields, and determining the date of crop harvesting and loses in yield. The examples cited in this publication indicate unquestionably the huge potential of integration of UAVs with optical sensors that record radiation in the optical range (350–3000 nm). Thermographic and fluorescent sensors are also very popular. In the near future, UAVs will play a key role in improving the profitability of agricultural production.