Glasnik Zaštite Bilja, Vol. 48. No. 5., 2025.
Review article
https://doi.org/10.31727/gzb.48.5.8
UAV spraying in wheat, maize and soybean: review 2023-2025
Žan Mongus
orcid.org/0009-0002-5624-826X
; Kmetijski inštitut Slovenije, Ljubljana, Slovenija
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This review synthesizes 2023 to 2025 field evidence on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pesticide application in wheat (Triticum spp.), maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) in the Slovenia/Croatia context. Across studies, near-canopy release heights (0.5-2.0 m above crop) and moderate forward speeds (1-2 m s⁻¹) consistently improved on-target deposition and transverse uniformity relative to higher passes. Nozzle characteristics governed the coverage -drift balance: flat-fan tips increased water-sensitive-paper coverage, whereas air-induction tips reduced fine-fraction drift at some cost to coverage; centrifugal atomizer performance depended on rotational speed and flow. In maize whorl targets, factorial trials indicated effective water volumes ≥37.5 to 45 L ha⁻¹ with appropriate nozzle/orifice choices, while raising height widened swath but reduced on-leaf deposition. Large sample size drift analyses confirmed release height and wind speed as dominant drivers of off-target movement. Field reports in wheat and soybean showed UAV efficacy comparable to ground references when flight and atomization parameters were tuned, with potential gains in field capacity and operator protection. Key reporting gaps remain (pressure for hydraulic systems, mass-based deposition, and complete meteorology), limiting cross-study dose transfer. We recommend a minimum reporting set (height, speed, L ha⁻¹, nozzle identity/orifice, droplet metric, swath/overlap, drift transects, weather), and outline uncertainties to resolve in regional trials. Overall, UAV spraying is feasible for the three crops when operated near the canopy with spectrum and volume matched to the target and conditions.
Keywords
UAV; pesticide application; nozzle; deposition; drif
Hrčak ID:
336717
URI
Publication date:
14.8.2025.
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