Drone as a Service has received certification for the aerial application of plant and soil nutrition products by drone in Ireland.

Drone as a Service announced on Friday that its partner ZenaDrone has received first-in-market Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) approval from the Irish Aviation Authority for the aerial application of non-plant protection products (PPP) and granular spreading, including fertiliser, lime, biostimulants, soil conditioners and more.

“For farmers and agribusinesses facing rising fertiliser costs, safety challenges and environmental concerns, a new approach to plant nutrition is needed,” said Craig Thackaberry, ZenaDrone’s Irish agricultural sales manager.

“Bringing these new capabilities to the Drone as a Service offering means that Irish farmers can better protect themselves, their land and local habitats with easy access to cutting-edge technology.”

Benefits

Drone-based aerial spreading and spraying has the potential to provide a range of environmental benefits.

It facilitates the precision application of plant nutrition on sensitive terrain where ground conditions are unsuitable for heavy machinery, protecting the soil by eliminating compaction, smearing and wheel rutting – even when soil moisture is high.

Aerial application can also offer specific biodiversity use cases such as reseeding of forestry clear-fells, spreading wildflower seed, and restoring peatlands.