Matt McIntosh Drones can increase cover cropping options Drone operators discuss the successes and challenges of applying cover crops and fertilizer by drone Drone operators say success still depends on planning around herbicide carryover, residue management, weather, calibration, and active monitoring, but the technology offers another tool for building soil health and expanding cover crop options. As Canada’s agricultural community waits for the federal government to permit pesticide application by drone, existing operators say the aerial platforms continue to offer a unique and effective way to expand cover cropping options. While some technical kinks still need to be worked out, proponents argue drone technology should prompt farmers to rethink what is possible for soil health. DRONE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE During a June 23 community meeting at Drone Spray Canada’s Blenheim headquarters, Adrian Rivard, the company’s president and a local farmer, encouraged attendees to keep experimenting with cover crop application, and to share their knowledge with each other. The purpose of the meeting was to do just that, with some 30 to 40 people — most of whom had at least some experience operating drones for agricultural purposes — discussing their experiences with cover cropping and dry fertilizer application. Rivard began the discussion with a question: Why use cover crops? The answer was, of course, to build soil health by breaking up compaction, driving carbon sequestration, supporting microbial communities, and more. As with any discussion about cover crops, he reiterated the importance of planning ahead for residue management, as well as the potential impacts of herbicide carryover when establishing cover crop stands. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 30 AGRONOMY Photos: Courtesy Drone Spray Canada
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