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Iowa State researchers study UAVs

Iowa State University researchers are studying the various ways that UAVs—unmanned aerial vehicles–can be used in farming operations.

“We’ve seen some real promising data trying to identify compaction areas in the field, as well as looking at drainage issues,” says Ryan Bergman, program coordinator in ISU’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. “Those seem to be some definite possible uses for UAVs in the future.”

Bergman is one of the organizers of a UAV field day to be held August 27th at the Ag Engineering and Agronomy Research Farms near Boone. Presentations will cover the potential use of aerial images for soil fertility management and the law and policy surrounding UAVs.

UAV flight demonstrations are also planned, weather permitting.

AUDIO: Ryan Bergman