Mtech Digital Solutions promotes the adoption of heavy agricultural drones in Finland and Sweden. The aim is to introduce heavy XAG agricultural drones to farms and contractors as an additional working machine alongside traditional technology.
Development is advancing rapidly: agricultural drones will soon become a natural part of modern farming. Through increasing investment in agricultural drone technology, Mtech Digital Solutions ensures that new technology delivers real benefits to Nordic crop production – XAG agricultural drones are becoming practical tools alongside tractors.
Drones offer new opportunities, particularly for carrying out measures during the growing season. Current solutions allow for significant work capacity, but operations can only be performed when soil moisture conditions permit field access. As a result, certain tasks may currently be delayed – or even left undone. When carried out by drone, these challenges can be avoided.
“We want agricultural drones to be adopted in a controlled and systematic way, enabling farmers to utilise drone technology in practical farming operations. That is why we work closely with technology providers, farmers, and regulatory authorities,” says Patrik Nordgren, Head of Mtech’s Sweden operations.
First snow mould control spraying with a drone in Finland
Finnish crop protection marked a historic milestone when snow mould was controlled for the first time using an agricultural drone on 11 November at Kauka-Hyry farm in Loimaa.
The trial utilised the XAG P100 Pro drone to apply Bayer Proline to winter wheat. The spraying was carried out in cooperation with Mtech Digital Solutions, Viljelijän Berner, and the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).
“This demonstrates that drone technology is not a future experiment, but a practical tool here and now. With a heavy agricultural drone, treatments can be carried out according to the crop’s specific needs; applications can be targeted precisely where required. Treatments can also be performed in a more timely manner, as there is no longer a need to wait for the soil to dry before entering the field,” says Mikko Hakojärvi, Lead Agronomist at Mtech.
Image: Snow mould was controlled using an XAG P100 Pro drone on a winter wheat field in Mellilä, Loimaa.
XAG P100 Pro – efficient technology for farmers
Within XAG’s product range, the P100 Pro is an agricultural drone capable of carrying a 50 kg payload and flying at speeds of up to 13.8 m/s. Despite its large payload capacity, the device is easy to handle, largely thanks to its modular design. The foldable and compact frame combined with modular working units makes it a highly practical tool.
Equipped with the RevoCast 3 spreading module, the drone can distribute granular materials ranging from small seeds to conventional granular fertilisers. With the RevoSpray 3 spraying module, the drone can apply liquid substances, such as micronutrients.
Using its own RTK base station, the drone can position itself with an accuracy of under two centimetres. Operational precision is further enhanced by onboard radar, which detects potential obstacles during flight. After avoiding an obstacle, the drone returns to its designated route and pre-set flight altitude, which it maintains using radar guidance.
“The XAG P100 Pro drone enables efficient treatment of large areas with high precision. In many cases, the drone is a cost-effective alternative to traditional tractor-mounted equipment – and a way to reduce soil compaction while implementing measures more closely aligned with crop needs,” Hakojärvi explains.
Agricultural drones are rapidly gaining ground worldwide
Globally, large agricultural drones are already commonplace, particularly in Asia and South America. In Europe, development has so far been slowed by regulation, but new opportunities may emerge quickly as legislation evolves.
Agricultural drones represent a significant opportunity for Nordic agriculture. The technology already exists. By investing in heavy agricultural drones, Mtech is taking responsibility to ensure that this transition is implemented profitably and sustainably for farms and partners alike, Hakojärvi concludes.
Further information:
Mikko Hakojärvi, Country Manager Finland
+358 50 524 9928
mikko.hakojarvi@mtech.fi
Patrik Nordgren, Country Manager Sweden
+46 70 340 88 41
patrik.nordgren@mtech.fi