A cost-effective quadcopter-based precision spraying system for enhancing safety and efficiency in small-scale agriculture

Abstract

This study presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a cost-effective quadcopter-based spraying system intended for precision pesticide application in small-scale and fragmented agricultural fields. The system integrates an F450 quadcopter frame with A2212 1400KV brushless DC motors, a KK2.1.5 flight controller, and a 12V mini water pump connected to a 500 mL pesticide tank. The drone was designed to ensure flight stability, ease of control, and accurate spray coverage. Performance testing under controlled field conditions demonstrated that the system achieved a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than 2.0, enabling reliable lift and hover capabilities even under full payload. The spraying mechanism produced a consistent cone-shaped pattern with a radius of 1.0 to 1.5 meters, confirming its effectiveness for targeted pesticide dispersion. Battery life supported 5-6 minutes of active spraying and up to 16 minutes under intermittent cycles. The drone also exhibited reliable auto-leveling and minimal drift during operation.