ADVANTAGES OF USING UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS IN PROCESSING FIELDS WITH PESTICIDES

The article analyzes the advantages of using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for treating agricultural land with chemical plant protection products. The modern market of special equipment offers various solutions, among which ultra-low-volume spraying stands out. It contributes to a more effective action of preparations due to the swirls created by the propellers of the copters and the small size of the drops, ensuring complete coverage of the plant surface. Classic sprayers cannot treat the lower parts of the leaves, while drones, working at a low altitude, create swirls using disc sprayers, which allows for complete treatment of plants. Modern drone models are capable of working in hard-to-reach areas and are more economical compared to traditional methods. They can be equipped with different types of sprayers, adapting to different conditions and requirements. For example, disc sprayers are used to treat large areas, and conical or slot sprayers are used for spot treatment. The use of UAS also has environmental benefits: reduced consumption of chemicals due to more precise application and minimization of environmental impact due to the refusal to use heavy equipment and reduced labor requirements. In addition, the use of UAS allows agricultural producers to quickly respond to changes and adjust the processing process, which increases the overall efficiency of agricultural production. Calculations based on the cost of work and operating efficiency show that when choosing machines for processing fields, agricultural producers should consider the feasibility of purchasing complex and expensive equipment for small areas, since the equipment will be idle for a longer time. Self-propelled sprayers are effective when processing large areas, but become inconvenient for small farms. Thus, the use of unmanned aerial systems is a promising direction that can significantly improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of agricultural processes.