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So how this compares with having a very low tech solution instead, like the one using pipes in the field that can spray the insecticide in the same amount as a

So how this compares with having a very low tech solution instead, like the one using pipes in the field that can spray the insecticide in the same amount as a drone does?

macintux 7y ago
I didn’t see much useful information to base this on, but drones could theoretically be much more accurately targeted and thus use less pesticide. Plus, a far more portable solution when you’re dealing with something that’s moving quickly across a region.
sjg007 7y ago
Pipe in the field can be damaged during farm operations like field prep, planting and harvesting etc... they also get clogged by dirt and in many jurisdictions you can't send pesticide down a water irrigation pipe for example. For some farms that would also be a lot of pipe to lay. So overall just a really bad idea.
- unnouinceput 7y ago
  Think plastic pipes that can be laid out/taken out at beginning/end of season. Low tech/cheap being the key element here, same as targeted irrigation, where only a sliver of water goes directly to the roots, only in this case it will be pesticide targeting directly the crop. Drones sounds for me way too expensive.
  - sjg007 7y ago
    You got to spray the whole plant amigo. you are talking tons of pipe. It’s acres and acres of row corn.
    - unnouinceput 7y ago
      Yup, agree. You might not be used to hard work but I am and I know those acres and acres are a 2, maximum 3, days of laying the pipes. And you know what also they are good for? Targeted irrigation as well. Shoot 2 rabbits with one bullet amigo. I wanna see you do irrigation and spraying pesticides using your drones and lets talk the cost of water + drones at the end of the season vs. my approach.
bdamm 7y ago
Consider that for many fields hiring out powerful airplanes flown by actual humans to drop pesticide is economical, would inform me that using pipes in the field is not as low-tech or as economical as you might expect.

So how this compares with having a very low tech solution instead, like the one using pipes in the field that can spray the insecticide in the same amount as a drone does?

macintux 7y ago

I didn’t see much useful information to base this on, but drones could theoretically be much more accurately targeted and thus use less pesticide. Plus, a far more portable solution when you’re dealing with something that’s moving quickly across a region.

sjg007 7y ago

Pipe in the field can be damaged during farm operations like field prep, planting and harvesting etc... they also get clogged by dirt and in many jurisdictions you can't send pesticide down a water irrigation pipe for example. For some farms that would also be a lot of pipe to lay. So overall just a really bad idea.

unnouinceput 7y ago
Think plastic pipes that can be laid out/taken out at beginning/end of season. Low tech/cheap being the key element here, same as targeted irrigation, where only a sliver of water goes directly to the roots, only in this case it will be pesticide targeting directly the crop. Drones sounds for me way too expensive.
- sjg007 7y ago
  You got to spray the whole plant amigo. you are talking tons of pipe. It’s acres and acres of row corn.
  - unnouinceput 7y ago
    Yup, agree. You might not be used to hard work but I am and I know those acres and acres are a 2, maximum 3, days of laying the pipes. And you know what also they are good for? Targeted irrigation as well. Shoot 2 rabbits with one bullet amigo. I wanna see you do irrigation and spraying pesticides using your drones and lets talk the cost of water + drones at the end of the season vs. my approach.

bdamm 7y ago

Consider that for many fields hiring out powerful airplanes flown by actual humans to drop pesticide is economical, would inform me that using pipes in the field is not as low-tech or as economical as you might expect.