Rehabilitation of farmland over-run with thistles

Recently, X-Drone Agricultural Services was asked to assist in the rehabilitation of some land that has been almost completely overrun by large artichoke thistle, a weed known for its aggressive growth and difficulty to manage. Previous attempts to control these thistles had faced significant challenges, particularly due to the many large rocks scattered across the landscape, which made traditional herbicide application methods impractical and often ineffective.

To tackle this issue, X-Drone deployed a specialized approach. A selective herbicide was meticulously applied at a rate of 50 liters per hectare, targeting the thistle while minimizing impact on surrounding vegetation. The application was optimized using a droplet size of 350 microns, ensuring even coverage and effective penetration of the herbicide.

The operation utilized the advanced capabilities of the XAG P100 Pro drone, which is designed for precision agriculture. Traveling at an average speed of 30 km/hr, the drone efficiently covered 35 acres of paddock in just a matter of hours. This innovative method not only saved time but also ensured that the herbicide was applied in a controlled manner, adapting to the challenging terrain.