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Farmers can now get a birds-eye view of their fields – in
full HD – thanks to Michigan State University landing its first drone.
MSU researchers are using its first unmanned aerial vehicle
to help farmers maximize yields by improving nitrogen and water management and
reducing environmental impact such as nitrate leaching or nitrous oxide
emissions.
For this initiative, MSU’s UAV measures how crops react to
stress, such as drought, nutrients deficiency or pests. The drone flies over
the field documenting the field’s status – down to centimeters. The portrait
gives farmers details on the current health of their crops.