Sarah Hard

Thesis Name

Thesis Abstract

Agricultural pesticides are essential for protecting horticultural crops, but spray can drift beyond its intended target and expose surrounding ecosystems and non-target organisms. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being used for precision pesticide application, yet their potential environmental advantages over conventional spraying are not well understood. This research will compare pesticide spray deposition, canopy penetration and off-target drift between UAV and conventional ground-based application in subtropical horticultural systems. Field-derived spray exposure data will be integrated with environmental and ecological risk assessment to evaluate potential risks to non-target organisms and adjacent habitats. The research aims to identify application practices that may reduce off-target pesticide exposure while maintaining effective crop protection.

Why My Research is Important/Impacts

UAVs are rapidly emerging as a new tool for agricultural pesticide application, but precision technology does not automatically mean reduced environmental impact. Understanding when UAV spraying can minimise off-target pesticide exposure is important for protecting surrounding vegetation, waterways and wildlife while maintaining effective crop protection. This research will provide field-based evidence on spray drift and deposition under subtropical horticultural conditions and connect application performance with potential ecological consequences. The findings may help growers, agronomists and UAV operators make more environmentally informed decisions about application methods and operating conditions, while identifying priorities for future research and improved pesticide-risk management.