As agroecology emerges as a key pathway for more sustainable food systems in Europe, digital technologies such as drones are creating new opportunities to enhance resilience, optimise resource use, and empower farmers. This joint post from the Horizon Europe projects D4AgEcol and ICAERUS explores how drones are being assessed and applied in agroecological systems, based on field demonstrations and participatory evaluation.
D4AgEcol investigates how digitalisation can support the transition to agroecological farming by engaging farmers, researchers, and stakeholders across diverse European regions. In parallel, ICAERUS evaluates the real-world performance of drones in agriculture, forestry, and rural logistics, with key Use Cases focusing on drone spraying in vineyards and crop monitoring for pest and weed detection.
This collaboration brings together field trial insights from ICAERUS with findings from three D4AgEcol Technology Fact Sheets: UAV-based crop spraying, UAV-based fertiliser mapping, and UAV-based weed mapping. These fact sheets are grounded in multi-actor workshops and assess each technology’s contribution to agroecological principles.
UAV-Based Crop Spraying
Spraying drones are increasingly used to navigate complex terrains, enabling precise agrochemical application in areas where traditional machinery cannot operate safely. These UAVs are pre-programmed to follow specific flight paths and apply inputs at controlled rates, often flying below 5 metres above crop canopies. While their use remains restricted under EU legislation, D4AgEcol’s evaluation workshop at AUA revealed important agroecological trade-offs. Stakeholders noted efficiency gains, improved safety for operators, and the potential for enhanced resilience in viticulture systems. However, concerns were raised around the loss of traditional practices, equipment repairability, and cultural impacts. The ICAERUS drone spraying Use Case is contributing to this discussion by testing spraying protocols in Greek vineyards, collecting data and end-user feedback to inform regulatory guidance and operational best practices.
UAV-Based Fertiliser Mapping
UAV-based fertiliser mapping involves the use of remote sensing data to assess crop nutrient status and inform site-specific fertiliser application. According to D4AgEcol findings, this approach supports agroecological principles by promoting input reduction, improving nitrogen efficiency, and enabling greater soil stewardship. Though ICAERUS does not focus directly on fertiliser mapping, its Drone Data Analytics Library (DDAL) offers a framework that could accommodate nutrient mapping tools and link them with targeted spraying strategies. This synergy illustrates how modular drone applications can align with agroecological objectives when embedded into integrated digital ecosystems.
UAV-Based Weed Mapping
Weed mapping using drones supports precision agriculture and agroecological weed control by enabling selective interventions, minimising herbicide use, and preserving beneficial flora. The D4AgEcol evaluation found that this technology enhances ecological balance and contributes to reduced chemical dependency—key tenets of agroecology. ICAERUS is piloting UAV-based crop monitoring, including pest and weed detection, through its Crop Monitoring Use Case. By combining remote sensing and AI-based analytics, the project aims to provide early warning systems that support timely and sustainable responses to weed pressure.
Towards Responsible Innovation
Insights from both projects converge on a key message: drones can support agroecological transformation, but their effectiveness depends on responsible innovation, co-creation with farmers, and context-sensitive deployment. D4AgEcol and ICAERUS both place strong emphasis on participatory methods to ensure that technologies reflect local realities and long-term sustainability ambitions.
This post underscores a growing convergence between agroecology and digital innovation, where drones are not merely tools for automation, but enablers of more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sound food systems.
Stay tuned for further updates and more insights. In the meantime, you can explore the D4AgEcol Technology Fact Sheets and the ICAERUS Project Website for additional resources.
