IRRIGATION & WATER LEAKS
North Canterbury Drone Services offers drones as a solution for managing irrigation systems in large and diverse landscapes.
These drones are equipped with thermal, multispectral, and visual sensors to detect water stress, monitor soil health, and optimize resource use. They can identify dry spots, plan irrigation schedules, and inspect system hardware without physically being on the field. The real-time mapping, automated data collection, and high-resolution imagery provided by these drones redefine precision irrigation, saving time, cutting water waste, and increasing yields.
Additionally, the drones can detect irrigation problems such as leaks or clogged pipes using thermal cameras.
OUR SERVICE BENEFITS
Detecting Irrigation Problems:
- Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect leaks by monitoring changes in ground temperature.
- Multispectral cameras can identify clogs in irrigation systems.
Soil Moisture Mapping:
- Drones create detailed maps showing soil moisture levels to ensure even water distribution.
- Maps highlight dry or wet areas for adjustments to be made in irrigation systems.
Monitoring Plant Health:
- Drones can detect plant stress early using cameras that pick up subtle changes in colour or temperature.
- Identifying and addressing stressed areas helps prevent crop loss.
Precision Irrigation:
- Drones provide data for precision irrigation systems.
- Apply water only where needed.
- Identify spots for water conservation and reduced water bills
Irrigation Planning:
- Combine drone data with weather forecasts, soil type, and crop needs.
- Create irrigation schedule to reduce water waste and ensure optimal water supply
System Maintenance:
- Drones make irrigation system maintenance easier.
- Aerial views help spot potential issues like damaged pipes or misaligned sprinklers.
- Prevent bigger problems in the future
Field Variability Analysis:
- Drones help identify zones with differing water requirements through multispectral imaging.
- Enables zone-specific irrigation strategies that minimize waste
Seasonal Performance Comparison:
- Drones can compare current irrigation efficiency with past seasons by capturing consistent aerial imagery over time.
- Helps assess the impact of changing strategies and make better decisions year over year
Automation Integration:
- Drones can feed irrigation data directly into automated irrigation control systems.
- Adjusts water delivery based on real-time crop needs and soil conditions
Compliance Monitoring:
- Drones offer a reliable method for documenting irrigation efficiency and water usage.
- Supports compliance with water use standards and conservation initiatives.
