The goals of this project were to 1) optimize drone herbicide applications by conducting field research on important application factors and then translate that information into recommendations delivered through extension and industry channels, and 2) document the variability in spray configurations used on commercial drones and the spray cloud created in terms of spray deposition and potential off-target movement. Field research from 2023 highlighted an inconsistency in spray coverage across the spray swath with a drone herbicide application, and the importance on environmental conditions on the amount of spray coverage achieved. Increasing the spray carrier to 3 gallons per acre alleviated some of these spray coverage problems. Regardless of spray coverage, applications of Roundup and Liberty provided reasonable levels of weed control, but were variable. An extension publication on spray drone applications has been drafted and a calibration clinic field day for spray drones is planned for this project in 2024, along with continued field research on herbicide applications.

Drone application of pesticides continues to be a point of interest for either broadcast treatment, or site-specific areas with a pest infestation. In the first year of this project we conducted field research on herbicide efficacy from drone applications and identified spray application variables that should be examined by farmers, or their custom applicators, to improve herbicide applications. In addition. we have drafted an extension publication and presentation materials that provide a thorough review of spray drone features, capabilities, and considerations for farmers who are interested in using or hiring spray drones for herbicide applications. Ultimately, grower confidence in making decisions on how or when to use spray drones for herbicide applications can enhance weed management tactics implemented by soybean farmers.