With fertilizer prices remaining high, drone technology is giving farmers another tool to improve nutrient efficiency. Helio CEO and co-founder Arthur Erickson said drones allow farmers to apply fertilizer precisely where it is needed. “You can identify nutrient-deficient areas and go out there and spot-treat them with fertilizer,” said Erickson. “You’re taking more of a boutique approach to crop care, and that’s going to be much better for your wallet and your end results.” Erickson said pairing aerial scouting with prescription maps can significantly reduce fertilizer costs. “You can start to see 50, 60 or even 70 percent savings on your input costs,” he said. “That can mean the difference between making it or breaking it for your farm, especially in a time like this.”
