Precision Drones Revolutionise Agronomy in Yorkshire

This spring, RHIZA collaborated with Envirofield, Agrii, and Yara to trial the latest in drone technology on an oilseed rape study in Yorkshire. The aim was to bridge the gap between controlled laboratory research and the variability of field trials, creating more accurate and actionable data.

Our expertise in precision farming allowed us to deploy drones equipped with advanced imaging capabilities. These drones collected high-resolution images of 40 trial plots (0.2ha) in just 17 minutes, producing a level of detail that would take hours using traditional methods.

Using photogrammetry, these images were stitched together for analysis. The data was processed with Solvi’s innovative tools, allowing for precise assessments of flowering through the Triangular Greenness Index (TGI), which isolates yellow by filtering out other wavelengths. This enabled flowering to be measured as a percentage cover per plot—a breakthrough for trials requiring such detailed insights.

Jonathan Trotter controlling the drone in OSR crop, Yorkshire.

Overcoming Traditional Challenges

Traditional methods of trial assessment often rely on manual field observations. These can be time-consuming, subjective, and difficult to replicate across larger areas. Assessors must walk the field, scoring plots visually and often inconsistently due to unconscious bias or differences in interpretation.

Drone technology eliminates these challenges by:

• Providing objective data: high-resolution imagery ensures accurate, consistent results.
• Enabling frequent assessments: Quick, automated flights make it possible to monitor changes throughout the season.
• Archiving visual data: Digital records provide a transparent, revisitable archive of trial results.

This shift has made it easier to track flowering progression, assess treatment efficacy, and generate comprehensive datasets for analysis.

Innovation with Global Potential

RHIZA’s ability to integrate advanced drone technology with agronomic trials has garnered attention from international partners. Yara’s Canadian colleagues, for instance, are exploring the potential to replicate this methodology with other crops, including peas and beans.

Chris Harrold, YaraVita product manager, recognises the value of this innovation:

“The results we’re seeing wouldn’t have been possible without drone technology. It’s a cost-effective, scalable solution that could revolutionise how we evaluate treatments in the UK and beyond.”

Shaping the Future of Field Trials

As a leader in digital agronomy, RHIZA sees drones as a cornerstone for future trial work. By enabling assessments that were previously restricted to controlled environments, this technology is helping us fill the gaps between lab research and field-scale validation.

Looking ahead, we believe drone technology will drive improvements in:

• Spatial analysis: Capturing minor differences across larger-scale trials, such as tramline experiments.
• Trial frequency: Conducting assessments more often to better understand treatment effects over time.
• Farmer confidence: Ensuring trial results reflect real-world practices, making them more actionable for growers.