Precision agriculture is an advanced technological approach to crop management that optimises the use of agricultural resources according to the specific needs of each field or crop. Drones have become an essential tool in this process, providing a detailed, real-time aerial view of agricultural land.
With images and data captured from high above, they make it easier to identify problems in crops, such as pest infestations or nutrient deficiencies, and allow precise application of agricultural treatments. Compared to traditional methods, the use of drones in precision agriculture brings significant benefits, including reducing pesticide and fertiliser use, optimising crop yield and quality, and minimising environmental impact.
In this article, we look at the differences between DJI’s agriculture drone Agras T30 and the new Agras T50, highlighting which of the two is more efficient, more innovative and where each is better suited.
Agras T30
Differences between Agras T30 and the new Agras T50
| Features | Agras T50 | Agras T30 |
|---|---|---|
| Solution tank capacity | 40 L | 30 L |
| Granulator tank capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
| Transport capacity | 50 kg | 40 kg |
| Yield on straight land | 21.3 ha/hour | 16 ha/hour |
| Productivity on horticultural plantations | Aprox. 12 ha | 6 ha |
| Obstacle detection and avoidance system | 2 omnidirectional radars | 1 omnidirectional radar |
| Terrain Follow | Up to 50 degrees slope | Up to 35 degrees slope |
| Flight time | 12 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Charging station power | 9 000 W | 7 200 W |
| Boom configuration | 4 booms | 6 booms |
| Liquid spray width | 11 meters | 9 meters |
| Spreading width of solid granules | 8 meters | 7 meters |
| Spraying system | Magnetically driven rotor pumps | Piston pumps |
| Solution dispersion mode | By centrifugal bodies (centrifugal nozzles) | Nozzles types 11002 |
| Maximum solution flow rate | With 2 centrifugal bodies: 16 L/min
With 4 centrifugal bodies: 24 L/min |
With 11002 nozzles: maximum flow 8 L/min |
| Remote control screen | 7 inch touch screen | 5.5 inch touch screen |
| Number of radio antennas | 4 | 2 |
| Integrated cameras | 1 adjustable RGB camera | 2 fixed cameras |
Agras T50
As we can see from the table above, the T50 drone clearly differs from its predecessor, the T30, with obvious improvements. Let’s take the main improvements one by one:
1. Randament
With a 40L solution tank (compared to 30L on the T30) and 75L granulator tank (compared to 40L on the T30), the Agras T50 allows you to cover a larger area in one flight. The increased carrying capacity of 50 kg (compared to 40 kg on the T30) allows efficient application of agricultural treatments. The T50 has an impressive yield of up to 21.3 ha/hour on straight land, compared to 16 ha/hour on the T30, on a horticultural plantation, with the Agras T50 doubling the productivity of its predecessor.
2. Spraying system
The DJI Agras T50 drone’s spraying system brings significant improvements in efficiency and performance compared to the T30. With a working width of 11 metres for liquids and 8 metres for solid granular substances, the T50 outperforms the previous T30 configuration by 9 metres and 7 metres respectively. Equipped with magnetically driven impeller pumps, replacing the piston pumps on the T30, the T50 offers superior performance and requires less maintenance.
Solution flow rate has increased significantly on the T50, reaching 16 litres/min on the standard 2-impeller version and 24 litres/min on the optional 4-impeller version, compared to 8 litres/min on the T30. This improvement translates into increased penetrability and coverage, even at high working speeds.
3. Radar system
The obstacle detection and avoidance system introduced in the DJI Agras T50 is a major improvement over the T30 with the implementation of two omni-directional radars, the extended ability to copy terrain, including terrain with slopes up to 50 degrees, and the ability to RGB map up to a 20 degree angle bringing an extra level of detail and accuracy to crop management.
4. New in Agras T50: RGB mapping
The DJI Agras T50 agricultural drone breaks new ground with its adjustable camera, offering an advanced approach to identifying and mapping farmland, in contrast to the T30, which had fixed cameras. Adjusting the angle of capture allows precise identification of plot edges, making it easier to map orchards, vineyards and hilly terrain. By eliminating the need for an additional drone for mapping, the Agras T50 saves farmers time and resources.
5. Improved design
The DJI Agras T50 makes a significant change by moving to a 4-arm configuration, replacing the previous 6-arm configuration. Each arm is equipped with two 4000W motors, enhancing the stability and performance of the drone. This change simplifies the design and gives increased resilience, allowing the drone to continue operating in the event that one motor encounters problems.
6. Remote control and optional DJI Relay module
The new remote control for the DJI Agras T50 is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, compared to the Agras T30’s 5.5-inch screen, providing a more intuitive user experience. The Agras T50 improves signal stability, reducing losses thanks to compatibility with the DJI Relay module and increasing the number of radio antennas from 2 to 4, optimising connectivity and communication between the remote and the drone.
7. Flight autonomy
The 30 Ah batteries in the DJI Agras T50 improve performance and extend operating time, providing an average flight time of 12 minutes, similar to the T30. For efficient charging, DJI’s single-phase C10000 charging station provides 9000W, compared to 7200W in the T30, ensuring fast and efficient charging.
Conclusion
The Agras T50 has superior capacity and performance over the Agras T30, making it suitable for larger fields and for use in large-scale precision farming. The Agras T30, on the other hand, may be more suitable for smaller fields or for use in certain situations where space is limited.
For more details on the two drones or for a quotation, please call +40 724 339 757 or email ciprian.iorga@laorizont.ro.
