An innovation in crop management PROPOSES USING THE “HELICOPTER CROP”.

although it seems, It is not science fiction. Agriculture also receives twenty-first century inntechnological ovations not lag behind other sectors. In this case it is the “small helicopter” for farmers, which allows better monitoring of crops.

What at first it was a military innovation, It has been adapted by the Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, EE.UU., to be applied in agriculture under the label of "crop copter" or helicopter crops.

Its developers have relied on the ever-present threat of disease and interest in improving crop yields; so any help is welcome for the fruit and vegetable industry when it comes to monitoring fields.

This technology is aimed at large areas, According to Professor Reza Ehsani. So far the response to the control of pests and diseases has been the use of aircraft and thorough inspections on trees, explains Ehsani.

It is “agricultural helicopter” flies over crops taking pictures in high definition, a course programmed by GPS.

The feasibility and development of this helicopter is determined by the cost of renting a plane per hour, a few 900$, compared to what 10.000$ it takes to acquire the device, It is amortized very quickly.

In large crops aerial images are an essential tool for disease management, counting trees or watering schedules. Average, Farmers usually spend about 4.000$ to obtain a complete picture of the crop.

In addition, rent a small plane it is not always easy. Upon availability there add weather conditions and the aircraft can not approach the crop detail.

Ehsani notes that soil images are obtained 48 hours after it rained let you know the variability of soil and create management zones. In the same way, If you have a drainage problem, within 24 hours when it rained you can work on what you have to do.

The helicopter works with GPS so that once in the air just need to "let go". "It's a tool for decision-making of farmers", said the expert because it allows you to see things at ground level not seen.