Precision agriculture with drones is the perfect combination of advanced technology and agronomic knowledge. It consists of applying inputs (water, fertilizers, crop protection products) only where they are needed, in the right amount and at the right time, thanks to data obtained from aerial sensors.
At BENIU, we use state-of-the-art drones equipped with multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors that allow high-resolution analysis of key variables for crop development: vegetative vigor, water stress, NDVI index, presence of pests or diseases, among others.
Through programmed flights and geospatial analysis software, we generate accurate maps to:
- Detect low-yield areas.
- Identify stress zones or nutritional imbalances.
- Optimize crop protection treatments with spraying drones.
- Plan sowing and irrigation based on real data.
All this translates into agronomic management based on real and continuous information, reducing costs, minimizing the use of chemicals, and improving yield per hectare.
Precision agriculture with drones not only improves operational efficiency, but also paves the way for data-driven decision-making, which is key to facing the challenges of the agricultural sector in the 21st century.
Additionally, our systems are fully adaptable: we work with both extensive crops and high-value crops (vines, citrus, fruit trees, horticultural crops). And yes: we also integrate the results with the most common digital field logs and agricultural management tools.
What is precision agriculture?
Precision agriculture is an agronomic management system that uses technological tools to monitor, analyze, and optimize each stage of cultivation in order to improve productivity and sustainability in the field. Unlike the traditional model, which applies resources uniformly across the plot, this methodology identifies spatial and temporal variations in the land to adapt each intervention to the actual needs of each zone.
This approach is based on three pillars:
- Data collection: through sensors mounted on drones, satellites, or tractors, information is gathered about soil, crops, and environmental conditions (moisture, temperature, vegetation vigor, water stress, etc.).
- Data analysis: the data is processed through specialized software that generates yield maps, multispectral images, indices like NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), and technical reports.
- Decision-making and variable application: based on this analysis, the farmer or technician can apply fertilizers, water, or phytosanitary treatments only where needed, in the right amount, optimizing each intervention.
Among its most common applications are:
- Early detection of pests or diseases.
- Definition of specific management zones (SMZ).
- Irrigation planning based on actual water demand.
- Evaluation of phenological development and yield estimation.
In short, precision agriculture allows for smarter farming, reducing operating costs and increasing the profitability of each hectare, without compromising environmental care.
Advantages of using drones in precision agriculture
The integration of drones into precision agriculture has meant a qualitative leap in the way crops are managed. Thanks to their ability to capture high-resolution aerial data and act with surgical precision, drones enable agricultural tasks to be performed more quickly, safely, and efficiently.
These are the main advantages of using drones in the agricultural environment:
1. High-precision aerial monitoring
Drones equipped with multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors can detect crop variations that are imperceptible to the naked eye. These data are used to create maps of vegetation vigor (NDVI, GNDVI, NDRE), soil moisture, leaf temperature, or water stress, which are essential for anticipating problems and acting before they impact production.
2. Localized treatment application
Sprayer drones allow for selective phytosanitary treatments in hard-to-reach areas, reducing product use, minimizing drift, and avoiding the use of heavy machinery on the field.
This implies:
- Savings on product and fuel costs.
- Less soil compaction.
- Greater safety for operators.
3. Early detection of pests and diseases
Through periodic aerial images, it is possible to identify changes in color, density, or crop temperature that indicate the appearance of pests, fungi, or nutrient deficiencies. This early detection allows for a fast and localized response, reducing impact and spread.
4. Greater efficiency and reduced operating costs
Thanks to aerial monitoring, the farmer can plan planting, irrigation, and fertilization based on real data. This translates into:
- Reduced resource usage (water, fertilizers, pesticides).
- Optimized yields per hectare.
- Improved control and traceability of each action.
5. Sustainability and field digitalization
The use of drones aligns with the goals of sustainable agriculture and the digitalization of the agri-food sector, promoting more efficient and environmentally friendly management. It also contributes to compliance with regulations such as the CAP and the 2030 Agenda, integrating data easily into agricultural traceability systems.
At BENIU, we don’t just fly drones: we deliver smart, data-driven solutions so every field decision has a positive and measurable impact.
How does the BENIU service work?
At BENIU, we offer a comprehensive precision agriculture service with drones, designed to adapt to the specific needs of each farm. From data collection to treatment execution, our technical team supports the client throughout the process with customized solutions based on scientific evidence.
Here’s how we work:
1. Initial assessment and planning
We conduct a technical visit or remote consultation to understand the characteristics of the crop, issues detected by the farmer, and the goals to be achieved (yield increase, disease detection, cost reduction, etc.).
Based on this, we define the type of sensors, flight altitude, required resolution, and flight frequency.
2. Data capture with drones
We schedule flights with drones equipped with high-precision multispectral, thermal, and RGB sensors. These flights are carried out at different stages of the crop cycle, allowing us to monitor its evolution and detect issues in time.
The sensors collect data such as:
- Vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, GNDVI).
- Canopy temperature.
- Soil moisture.
- Changes in crop reflectance (indicators of stress or disease).
3. Processing and analysis
The collected data is processed in our geospatial analysis system, generating:
- Vegetative vigor maps.
- Water or nutritional stress maps.
- Real-time anomaly detection.
- Delineation of Specific Management Zones (SMZs).
This analysis helps identify which areas require intervention and what the most appropriate action is in each case.
4. Treatment application with drones (if applicable)
When needed, we perform phytosanitary treatments with spraying drones, using adjusted doses and applying only to affected areas. This methodology:
- Reduces chemical and water use.
- Minimizes drift risk.
- Improves treatment efficiency.
- Increases staff safety.
5. Technical report and follow-up
We provide the client with a detailed report with all collected data, georeferenced maps, agronomic recommendations, and corrective actions. Additionally, we conduct follow-ups to evaluate the results and adjust future interventions if necessary.
At BENIU, we don’t offer drone flights. We offer data-driven agronomic decisions, with a direct impact on profitability, sustainability, and crop health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drone Agriculture
What crops can be monitored with drones?
Drones can be used in virtually any type of crop: cereals, vineyards, olive groves, citrus, fruit trees, vegetables, rice, corn, nuts, or even forestry plantations. At BENIU, we adapt flights, sensors, and analysis to the agronomic characteristics of each farm.
What kind of information can be obtained with an agricultural drone?
Depending on the sensor used (multispectral, thermal, RGB), it is possible to obtain:
- Vegetative vigor maps (NDVI, NDRE, etc.).
- Detection of water stress or nutrient deficiencies.
- Identification of pests or diseases.
- Damage assessment from frost, hail, or drought.
- Sowing density and crop heterogeneity maps.
How often is it recommended to perform a drone flight?
It depends on the type of crop and its cycle. In general, we recommend at least 3 key flights per season: at the beginning, during the vegetative growth stage, and before harvest. For high-value crops or short cycles, biweekly or monthly monitoring can be done.
Can drones apply phytosanitary products?
Yes. At BENIU we have spraying drones and the necessary authorizations for the localized aerial application of phytosanitary products and fertilizers. This system is especially useful in hard-to-reach areas, sloped fields, or small plots where traditional machinery cannot operate efficiently.
How much does a precision agriculture service with drones cost?
The price depends on several factors: area, crop type, number of flights, required analysis, and whether treatment is included. At BENIU, we create customized quotes, tailored to each client’s needs and goals. You can request yours with no obligation here.
Can the data be integrated with other management tools?
Yes. All the data we generate is compatible with agronomic management software, digital field notebooks, and GIS platforms. We deliver reports in standard formats (.shp, .kml, .pdf) to facilitate integration.
