Drone Technology Reshaping Agriculture: A Meta-Review and Bibliometric Analysis on Fertilizer and Pesticide Deployment

This study aims to uncover recent research trends and primary focal points associated with the use of drones in the application of fertilizers and pesticides within the agricultural sector. The research seeks to explore the global impact of agricultural drones, highlighting their benefits in reshaping traditional farming practices and promoting sustainable agriculture.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted, reviewing 46 academic publications from 2015. This comprehensive review aggregated findings related to the use of drones in fertilizers and pesticides applications, focusing on the advancements, benefits, and future potential of drone technology in modern agriculture.

The integration of drones in agriculture has shown a notable reduction in pesticide usage, ranging from 30 to 65% compared to conventional methods like knapsack spraying. Additionally, the application of pesticides and fertilizers via drones has led to crop yield increases of 3.6% to 9.7%, thereby enhancing food production. Drones have also demonstrated effectiveness in pest control, with rates between 63.7% and 94.94%, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. Furthermore, drones contribute to significant water conservation, with potential reductions in water usage by up to 90%. The ability to cover 2 to 6 hectares per hour enables rapid response to agricultural challenges, improving pest and disease management.

Drones offer substantial benefits in modern agriculture, promoting eco-friendly practices, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to sustainable food production. The future of agricultural drone technology lies in enhancing capabilities such as extended flight durations, increased payload capacities, and integrating artificial intelligence for data-driven decision-making. These advancements are likely to encourage the widespread adoption of drones, fostering sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices on a global scale.