Blog Posts Archives - SAS Agri Drones Ltd

Category: Blog Posts

Fertilising Biomass Willow Trees By Drone

Posted on January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 by Steve

Since gaining our CAA authorisation for large agricultural drone operations within the Uk our project base has been widespread and very varied, one such project which was a first for us as a company ( we never imagined we’d be tasked to fertilising trees by drone!) was to apply fertiliser to a plantation of biomass willow crop in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The farm previously had a team of manual workers taking the fertiliser up the rows using buckets and wheelbarrows and spreading manually, a very labour intensive and time consuming process taking the team around 6-8 weeks to complete the area.

We flew the area with our DJI Agras T50 spreading drone with the broadcaster fitted and applied a granular 20-10-10 fertiliser at 750kg/ha, a huge rate with just a 50kg tank but all the same very achievable with the drone team completing the whole operation in just over 3 hours.

The drone has proved to be a much faster, efficient and more accurate way to apply the fertiliser, especially with the RTK GPS guidance on the drone giving cm level accuracy.

The drone also has the ability to apply fertiliser mr seed using variable rate technology, adjusting its output rate according to a prescription map, all which we can create.

By using the drone it has also increased the safety of the whole process, eliminating the need for manual workers to push heavy wheelbarrow over rough and sometimes steep terrain, helping growers meet health and safety requirements, as well as saving money on labour.

We offer fertiliser spreading or spraying across the UK whether that be fertilising trees by drone, or drone fertiliser spreading over any type of farmland or amenity grounds.

Take a look at our Instagram page for more pictures and details of other projects we’ve completed.

Drone Turnip Seeding In Northamptonshire

Posted on January 5, 2025January 5, 2025 by Steve

In August 2024 we were asked by a couple of farmers in Northamptonshire if we could broadcast their stubble turnip and forage rape seeds using our large agricultural drone as the previous contractor had stopped using the sprayer mounted broadcaster that had previously sown the crops leaving the farmers with a problem of not being able to seed them into the standing wheat crop.

The fields were varied in shape, surrounded by trees and over the brow of a hill, some even had power cables in but nothing was a problem for our large DJI Agras T50 drone equipped with broadcaster unit and able to carry up to 50kg at a time and achieve work rates up to 65 acres per hour when seeding cover crops or turnips with small seeds.

Once we had completed the airspace checks and set up the field boundaries all before we arrived on farm it was a simple case of setting up our equipment, making sure the area was safe for flight and taking off, within a few short hours the whole 120 acres had been completed.

We caught up with the farms a few weeks later to check on establishment and were pleased to hear that everything had established very well and definitely equal to if not better than the previous methods, so much so that the farms have already booked us for the 2025 seeding operation.

Below are a few photos sent from the farms of the established seed, The left photo shows the turnips with the photo on the right showing the forage rape, given the dry weather establishment has been very good.

For more information on our drone seeding, spreading or spraying services please do take a look at our dedicated website page here or for more pictures of work we’ve completed our Instagram page is a great gallery

SAS Land Services Ltd: Pioneering Drone Technology in the UK with DJI Agras T50

Posted on August 10, 2024August 10, 2024 by Steve

In a groundbreaking development for the UK’s agricultural sector, SAS Land Services Ltd has become the first company in the country to gain official authorisation to operate the DJI Agras T50 spray drone. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for SAS Land Services Ltd but also represents a turning point in the adoption of advanced drone technology within the UK’s farming industry.

A New Era in Precision Agriculture

The DJI Agras T50 is at the cutting edge of agricultural drone technology, designed to provide precise and efficient crop spraying solutions. With its high payload capacity, advanced spraying systems, and intelligent flight control, the T50 is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern farming. It offers unparalleled precision in the application of pesticides, fertilizers, and other crop treatments, reducing waste and ensuring uniform coverage.

The drone’s intelligent system is capable of adjusting spray parameters in real-time, responding to variations in terrain and crop type. This not only improves the efficacy of spraying but also minimizes the environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for sustainable farming practices.

Regulatory Approval: A First for the UK

Securing authorisation to operate a drone of this capability is no small feat, especially in the UK, where regulations around drone usage are stringent. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has a rigorous process for granting permissions, especially for commercial operations involving larger drones like the DJI Agras T50.

SAS Land Services Ltd has successfully navigated this complex regulatory landscape, demonstrating not only the technical capabilities of the DJI Agras T50 but also their own commitment to safe and responsible drone operation. The company’s achievement sets a precedent for others in the agricultural sector, paving the way for broader adoption of drone technology in the UK.

Transforming Agriculture with Drone Technology

The authorisation of the DJI Agras T50 is a game-changer for SAS Land Services Ltd and the wider farming community. By integrating this advanced drone into their operations, SAS Land Services Ltd is poised to offer enhanced services to their clients, including more efficient crop management and improved yield outcomes.

The use of drones like the DJI Agras T50 allows for a level of precision and efficiency that traditional methods simply cannot match. With the ability to cover large areas quickly and accurately, drones reduce the time and labor costs associated with crop spraying. Moreover, the precise application reduces chemical runoff, promoting better environmental stewardship.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Farming

As the first UK company to receive authorisation to fly the DJI Agras T50, SAS Land Services Ltd is leading the charge in modernizing the agricultural sector. Their pioneering use of drone technology is expected to inspire other companies and farmers to explore how drones can enhance their operations.

The successful deployment of the DJI Agras T50 by SAS Land Services Ltd is likely to accelerate the adoption of drone technology across the UK. This shift could lead to widespread improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability, and innovation.

In conclusion, SAS Land Services Ltd’s achievement is not just a victory for the company but a significant advancement for the entire agricultural industry in the UK. As drone technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for its application in farming are virtually limitless, heralding a new era of precision agriculture that will benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.

If you would like to know more about drone spreading, seeding or spraying, or to book us in for your work please do contact us

Revolutionizing Land Management with Spray Drone Services from SAS Land Services in Berkshire

Posted on June 2, 2024June 2, 2024 by Steve

In the heart of Berkshire, SAS Land Services is at the forefront of innovation in land management, offering cutting-edge spray drone services. This advanced technology is transforming how agricultural and environmental tasks are carried out, providing efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly solutions.

The Future of Land Management

Drones have rapidly become a game-changer in various industries, and land management is no exception. SAS Land Services utilizes state-of-the-art spray drones to deliver top-notch service, ensuring optimal results for a variety of applications, including agriculture, forestry, and conservation efforts.

Benefits of Spray Drone Services

Precision and Accuracy

Spray drones offer unparalleled precision, ensuring that pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are applied exactly where needed. This targeted approach minimizes waste and maximizes effectiveness, leading to healthier crops and plants.

Efficiency and Speed

Traditional spraying methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Spray drones can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and manpower required for land management tasks.

Environmental Sustainability

With precise application, spray drones help reduce the overall amount of chemicals used, mitigating their impact on the environment. This sustainable approach supports the health of local ecosystems and promotes biodiversity.

Accessibility

Drones can easily access hard-to-reach areas, such as steep terrains, dense forests, or wetlands, where traditional equipment might struggle. This capability ensures comprehensive coverage of all land areas.

Cost-Effective

By reducing the need for manual labor and optimizing the use of resources, spray drone services can significantly lower operational costs. This cost-effectiveness makes advanced land management accessible to more landowners and farmers.

Applications of Spray Drone Services

Agriculture

From crop spraying to monitoring plant health, spray drones provide farmers with the tools to enhance productivity and crop yields. They enable precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, ensuring that crops receive the care they need to thrive.

Forestry

In forestry management, drones can be used for tasks such as reforestation, pest control, and monitoring tree health. They help maintain the health and sustainability of forested areas, supporting conservation efforts.

Environmental Management

Spray drones play a crucial role in managing invasive species, restoring natural habitats, and maintaining green spaces. Their ability to reach inaccessible areas ensures that all parts of an ecosystem are cared for.

Why Choose SAS Land Services?

SAS Land Services is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our team of experienced professionals uses the latest drone technology to provide efficient and effective land management services. With a focus on sustainability, precision, and customer satisfaction, SAS Land Services stands out as a leader in the industry.

Get in Touch

Ready to revolutionize your land management practices? Contact SAS Land Services today to learn more about our spray drone services and how they can benefit your property.

📞 Call us at: 01344 534089
📧 Email: steve@saslandservices.com
🌐 Visit: saslandservices.com

Stay ahead of the curve with SAS Land Services – where innovation meets excellence in land management.

By leveraging the power of spray drone technology, SAS Land Services is setting new standards in the industry. Whether you’re a farmer, a forester, or a conservationist, our advanced services offer a smarter, more sustainable way to manage your land. Embrace the future of land management with SAS Land Services in Berkshire.

Spot Spraying Map

Posted on December 22, 2023March 1, 2024 by Steve

We were asked by a local farmer who farms land within a SSSI area if we could use our drone to find and mark weeds for spot spraying using the farms own equipment, the answer was yes, of course we can!

Our drone imagery is of such a high quality that we can use our software and AI intelligence to locate, mark and then create a spot spraying map for all the areas where weed is located. This is then exported and sent to the tractor and sprayer and controls the sprayer nozzles through the existing ISOBUS terminal.

By utilising spot spraying and variable rate applications means only the areas needing treatment are sprayed, this results in large savings of chemical which in turn saves money. It also means that areas not requiring treatment are not sprayed and any wildlife or habitats are not harmed, it also means the run off risk is reduced or eliminated benefitting watercourses and fish.

The flights are easy to complete subject to weather and doesn’t require us to walk across the fields (unless we need to, to stay within VLOS range of the drone!)

Spot spraying maps will be an everyday part of farming in the future with more targeted applications, we are here to assist you in getting these maps produced and into your equipment.

The costs of the flights are usually more than covered through the cost savings generated through reduced chemical usage.

Agricultural Drone Crop Services and Drone Fertiliser Spreading

Posted on October 28, 2023October 29, 2023 by Steve

We have been busy working away over the last few months to get our CAA approval to provide agricultural drone services.

We now offer crop mapping and analysis services using both a multispectral drone or a crop scouting service by drone, using drones for agricultural crop mapping, scouting and analysis saves time and man hours as well as provides multiple insights into how the crop is doing, any pests, diseases or water problems as well as variable rate prescription maps for tractors, sprayers and fertiliser spreaders.

We will also be offering a variable rate fertiliser or seeding service using modern agricultural spray drones across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Herefordshire.

All of our agricultural drone services are offered across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Herefordshire.

Using drones can achieve savings across crop inputs as well as spot early signs of disease or pests, and in much less time than doing a similar job manually.

This means crops can be analysed more often and the inputs adjusted accordingly.

Aerial Mapping and Inspection by Drone

Posted on March 24, 2022March 24, 2022 by SAS Land Services Ltd

SAS Land Services offer aerial land mapping and inspection by drone for agricultural and environmental management purposes. We can survey 200 acres in under an hour and will provide plant health reports, digital surface models showing object heights and digital terrain models showing land heights without objects. An orthomosaic map is also created allowing accurate measurements to be made of distances or volumes.

We have the option to create 3D models or cut and fill reports enabling accurate calculations to be made for material movements.

We are fully insured for drone operations and cover Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and parts of Wales for drone operations. Please do contact us for advice or a free quote.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more detail about what we can offer and have a look at previous projects we have completed.

Overgrown hedgerow reduction in Oxfordshire

Posted on December 26, 2021December 26, 2021 by Steve

Back in July we were contacted by Nigel Adams, a renowned hedgerow specialist who lives in Oxfordshire to talk about how we could help him to cut back and coppice some heavily overgrown hedgerows as part of the Watlington hedgerow project. The hedgerows in question had a number of hawthorn trees, many of which had grown beyond their healthy life stage and fallen over, some were covered in ivy and others had died completely.

We suggested the use of our mini excavator with tree shear to enable a fast, easier and safer dismantle of the trees as well as utilising the low ground pressure of the smaller machine. With a 200mm cutting capacity, the little machine and shear was more than capable of the task.

So, along came October and work commenced, we moved the machine to Oxfordshire for the duration and made the area safe. Nigel and another neighbouring landowner Paul were on hand with chainsaws to deal with any fallen or snapped trunks and to cut any remaining ivy from any of the trees that remained. We chose a few of the stable mature trees to remain within the hedge and trimmed these to make them safe and healthy again. Within just a few hours we had reduced a good 80-100m of hedge, something that would’ve taken a good couple of days had it been completed manually.

Another couple of days saw the rest of the overgrown hedgerows reduced using the excavator and tree shear and the project completed. The hedge can now regrow naturally from the coppiced stumps to create a healthy solid hedge, any gaps from the dead trees will be replanted with new native species.

Many thanks to Nigel, Paul and The Watlington Environmental Group for the work and the chance to be part of this exciting project.

Riding Arena Repair

Posted on July 27, 2020July 27, 2020 by Steve

We are often asked “ What can we do to fix our arena surface” and the answer is generally “Plenty!)

Riding arenas are generally used heavily and maintained to the minimum from our own experience which means that over time they require repairs and more involved maintenance. This can be from simple surface remixing to drainage repairs or even full surface replacement.

Luckily we have many many years experience in constructing and repairing riding arenas so are more than capable to tackle any project type.

What is your arena looking like? Does it need any repairs or maintenance?

Why not give contact us and let us take a look at it for you