A Comprehensive Review of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Sprayers Used in Modern Agriculture

Abstract

Global demand for food is increasing daily due to increase in population growth. Hence to meet these food demands for the growing population crop productivity must be enhanced. Plant pests and diseases are major threats to crop productivity causing an annual reduction of 20 to 40% in global crop production. For management of these pest and diseases spraying using manual sprayers is quite laborious and also not precise.  Further manual spraying is hazardous to farmer’s health, World Health Organization (WHO) reported one million incidences of illness as a result of manually application of insecticides to crop fields. As a result, new automated drone technology techniques were unveiled. This review examines the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sprayers in modern agriculture, highlighting their transformative role in enhancing crop management and increasing efficiency. UAV technology has emerged as a vital tool for precision agriculture, offering benefits such as targeted pesticide and fertilizer application, reduced labor costs, and minimized environmental impact. This paper discusses the various types of UAV sprayers, their operational mechanisms, and the advantages they provide over traditional methods. Additionally, we explore challenges associated with UAV adoption, including regulatory issues, technical limitations, and the need for operator training. The review emphasizes the future potential of UAV sprayers in sustainable agriculture, suggesting that continued advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks will further integrate UAVs into mainstream agricultural practices.