Applications of Unmanned aerial vehicles in Agriculture

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are unmanned flying robots. The term UAV usually includes drones, micro, and nano aircraft. In most cases, the UAV consists of the main control unit with one or more fans or propulsion systems that lift the UAV and push it into the air. Originally developed and used by the military, UAVs are now used in surveillance, disaster management, firefighting, border security, and courier services. This chapter is of particular interest to the agricultural application of UAVs and focuses on their use in livestock and crop management. This chapter describes different types of UAVs, pest control, plant irrigation, health surveillance, livestock, geofence, and their use in other agricultural activities. Beyond the application, we will discuss the benefits and potential uses of UAVs in agriculture, as well as business-related and other open issues that impede the spread of UAVs in agriculture.