Epagri studies orchard spraying techniques using drones.

The unit of the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina (Epagri) in Videira, one of the oldest in the state and about to celebrate its 90th anniversary, has combined tradition with the future to seek solutions for one of the main fruit-producing regions of the state. A national reference in research focused on viticulture, the Experimental Station acquired a drone to be tested in crops such as peaches, plums, nectarines, and in viticulture. 

Researchers are working with partners to define criteria such as flight altitude, flow rate, and product mixing to make life easier for producers who need alternative spraying methods. The flights are conducted in Epagri's own experimental area, but also on private properties. The goal is to validate research actions to understand how to perform drone spraying in fruit farming. 

“The drone is emerging as an alternative, and research is being conducted to try to optimize this technique, which is already a reality in Brazil and Santa Catarina, but needs adjustments. Therefore, Epagri, along with other partners, is proposing to refine this technology so that it can be used safely by all farmers and fruit growers in Santa Catarina,” says agricultural engineer André Luiz Kulkamp de Souza, manager of the Videira Experimental Station.

Drone is being used for remote pasture management in Lages.

The drone in Videira is just one more that Epagri uses in its research. At the Lages Experimental Station, the institution is developing the "Remote Pasture" project. The proposal is to use remote sensing for the precise prediction of biomass and pasture height. With over 70% reliability, the method assists the producer, reduces the need for labor and on-site presence, and represents a scientific advancement in precision agriculture. 

In addition to economic benefits, optimizing pasture management has positive environmental impacts, contributing to a more efficient use of natural resources, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enteric methane, a gas produced during digestion and released through belching in ruminant animals such as cattle and sheep.