Can a drone be used for crop dusting with pollen?

Seeking Help
1

I don’t know much about drones, but I was wondering if it’s possible to use one for something like crop dusting, specifically to spread pollen in an orchard. I’m not an expert on drones, I’m more of a dirt and plants kind of person. I have a small area now but am looking to plant a small orchard. The weather where I live can be unpredictable, so bees don’t always show up in time. Could I use a drone to spread pollen in the trees? Is this even feasible or does it sound ridiculous?

I’d appreciate any advice! I’m only talking about a small area, around 4 acres max. Some people mentioned a large drone might be needed, but I’m open to ideas.

2

Yes, this is something that has been done before. Try searching agricultural drone uses online. Also, check out some techniques for artificial pollination.

3

The DJI Agras T40 was actually made for this purpose.

4

Luca said:
The DJI Agras T40 was actually made for this purpose.

A 40-liter drone is overkill for 4 acres. A smaller drone, like a 7-inch model, should do the job just fine.

5

Yes, but you would need a large drone and a Part 107 license since this would be commercial use. There are people who do this, though.

6

Teo said:
Yes, but you would need a large drone and a Part 107 license since this would be commercial use. There are people who do this, though.

Actually, you need a Part 137 certificate and an aircraft worthiness certificate, not just Part 107. Getting the approvals for these kinds of flights can be a hassle in some areas of the USA.

7

@Xander
Just a heads-up, you need a Part 137 certificate for this, not just Part 107.

8

Teo said:
Yes, but you would need a large drone and a Part 107 license since this would be commercial use. There are people who do this, though.

Wait, so this is already a thing? That’s pretty awesome! Could you explain why you need a large drone? I meant for a small area, like 2-3 acres, which is why I asked.

9

@Micah
My bad for misunderstanding your first message. Yeah, for a small area and a small amount of pollen, a smaller drone should work. You might need to be creative with how you release the pollen, so it spreads evenly and doesn’t fall in one spot, but it’s doable.

10

@Teo
Thanks, I didn’t explain well enough, but ‘crop dusting’ just seemed like the easiest way to say it. And I have to admit, it’s kind of funny to think about!

Anyway, you seem to know what you’re talking about. How do you keep the pollen contained on the drone? I imagine there’s something else mixed in so it doesn’t just blow away in the wind?

11

@Micah
You could use a drone bait dropper, fly high enough, release the pollen, and the rotors will help spread it around.

12

Vic said:
@Micah
You could use a drone bait dropper, fly high enough, release the pollen, and the rotors will help spread it around.

Are you speaking from experience, or just guessing how it might work?

13

@Morgan
Well, not to give too much away, but when my new neighbor decided to rip out his garden for turf, I may have dropped some wildflower seeds on his bare earth with a method like this. :wink:

14

@Teo
Whoops, looks like I need to follow r/rimjob_steve for a better way to say that!

15

@Teo
Have you actually done this for real or are you just guessing?

16

Yes, but for a significant payload, you’d need a much larger drone to carry the weight.

17

Noble said:
Yes, but for a significant payload, you’d need a much larger drone to carry the weight.

Pollen is pretty light, though. Could you explain why a large drone is necessary? I should have been clearer, but I’m thinking about a small area, around 2-3 acres.