Fertiliser spreading and seeding by drone
We spread urea, CAN and other dry mineral fertilisers by drone, and sow cover crops and small seed. The price is a flat €40/ha for any area. We top-dress wheat with urea even when the field is waterlogged: all we need is access to the edge of the field. The window for urea closes on 20 February at the latest.
Top-dressing wheat with urea from the air
The best time for urea is the first half of February, and 20 February at the latest. After that date, agricultural advisory services recommend switching to CAN or AN (Agrosava, PSS Zrenjanin), which we can also spread by drone.
This window often falls when the ground is soaked from snowmelt or heavy rain. With a drone, a wet field doesn't delay top-dressing: only the access road needs to dry, and with a paved road we can work straight after heavy rain. The only limit is wind. We work in winds of 3 to 5 m/s and pause in stronger gusts.
Timings, the difference between urea and CAN, and splitting nitrogen into two top-dressings are covered in our article Top-dressing wheat with urea: when and how much. For the full protection and feeding programme, including the fungicide at flowering, see wheat protection and feeding.
How much urea per hectare
We spread the exact rate set by you or your agronomist. Our drone's spreading hopper holds 100 litres and carries up to 70 kg. The spreading width is 3 to 10 metres, depending on granule size, disc speed and flight height (DJI manufacturer data). At 100 kg of urea per hectare, one flight covers at most 0.7 ha, so a higher rate means more flights.
Which fertilisers the drone spreads (urea, CAN, mineral)
We can spread any dry mineral fertiliser, urea and CAN included, as long as the granules are 0.5 to 10 mm, the technical range of the spreading system on the DJI Agras T70P. The same method works for top-dressing maize with urea and for the second top-dressing of wheat. Your agronomist always sets the rate and the timing. Liquid fertilisers go through the spraying system; see foliar feeding.
Seeding by drone: cover crops and small seed
We sow cover crops such as clover and other small seed by drone, at the same €40/ha. The seed just has to suit the spreading system (0.5 to 10 mm). You set the seed rate (kg/ha) from the seed label or your agronomist's advice, and we enter those settings into the drone.
Price of spreading and seeding by drone
Fertiliser spreading and seeding cost a flat €40/ha for any area. The price is higher than for spraying because, with a 70 kg payload, the drone has to land far more often to refill. The price covers the drone work only; you buy the fertiliser and seed. Travel within 50 km of Opovo is free.
Worked example: 30 ha of wheat in Pančevo (31 km from Opovo), a new client's first order. 30 ha × €40 = €1,200, minus €40 for the free first hectare = €1,160 in total. No travel charge.
Spreading counts towards package discounts like any other per-hectare service: three treatments on the same field in a season get 5% off, five or more get 10% off. Jobs of 50 ha or more need a 30% advance. Full details are in the price list.
How we do spreading
Get in touch
Tell us the total area, where the field is, the fertiliser or seed and the planned rate (kg/ha).
We agree the date and preparation
All we need is a passable access road to the field and a small flat area where the drone takes off and lands to refill.
We spread
The drone carries up to 70 kg per flight, so the number of flights depends directly on your rate per hectare.
Job report
When the job is done, we report the exact number of hectares treated and check that you are happy with the result.
What will spraying your field cost?
Pick the service, the crop and the place. You see the price at once, with travel and discounts.
Road distances: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Estimated price
Enter the area and choose the place to see the price here.
Common questions about spreading and seeding
The first half of February, and 20 February at the latest. After that date agronomists mostly recommend CAN or AN, which can also be spread by drone.
Exactly as much as your field's agronomy calls for. The drone carries 70 kg per flight, so at 100 kg/ha one flight covers 0.7 hectares.
Yes, any dry mineral fertiliser with granules of 0.5 to 10 mm. Liquid fertilisers are not spread; they are sprayed.
Yes. The drone flies, so there is no trampling and no machinery in the mud. All it needs is a dry or firm access road to the edge of the field.
Cover crops (such as clover) and other small seed that fits through the spreading system (0.5 to 10 mm). The seed label or your agronomist sets the rate.
A flat €40 per hectare for any area. New clients get the first hectare free on an order of at least 10 ha, and travel within 50 km of Opovo is free. The client supplies the fertiliser and seed.
- First hectare free
- Free travel within 50 km
Book your top-dressing in time
Send us the total area, the location and the rate you want per hectare, and we will send you an exact quote and price straight away.