Real performance data comparing the DJI Agras T100 against conventional ground sprayers. Every chart is built from operational specifications and field-validated parameters — not marketing claims.
Four key metrics at a glance
A consolidated view of four critical performance comparisons between the DJI T100 and conventional ground sprayers: spray efficiency vs. wind speed, Delta T spray window timing, plant uptake efficiency through evapotranspiration cycles, and operational speed vs. application accuracy.
Ground rigs vs. DJI T-Series drones
Head-to-head comparison of ground rigs (20 GPA and 5 GPA) against the T100 in high-speed, complex, and standard configurations. The T100 at high speed (72 km/h) achieves 95 drops/cm² — exceeding ground rig density while covering acres faster. POTENCY ratings show the T100 consistently outperforms across all operational modes.
Deposition efficiency under real-world wind conditions
The T100's rotor-driven downwash pins droplets to the canopy even in moderate wind. While both platforms lose efficiency above 15 km/h (the high drift risk zone), the T100 maintains higher deposition rates at every wind speed compared to conventional ground sprayers. This means more product on the plant, less lost to drift.
Droplet displacement vs. wind speed by platform
Drift liability comparison across three platforms: manned airplane, ground rig (120 ft boom), and the T100 drone (rotor-pinned). The T100 stays in the safe operating window far longer than either alternative. At 20 km/h wind, airplane drift potential is 6x higher than the T100. This is critical for buffer zone compliance and neighbour relations.
Drone speed vs. ground rig speed impact on droplet uniformity
Ground rigs experience air shear and boom instability above 50 km/h (roughly 30 mph), causing droplet size variance to spike. The T100's centrifugal atomizer produces consistent droplet size independent of flight speed — the blue line stays flat. This means uniform coverage whether the drone is flying at 25 km/h or 72 km/h.
Centrifugal (drone) vs. pressure (ground) atomization
The T100's centrifugal disc maintains a constant ~350 micron droplet size (medium-coarse range) regardless of speed. Ground sprayers using pressure nozzles see droplet size decrease as speed increases — dropping from medium into the fines range where drift risk climbs. Consistent droplet size means predictable coverage and reduced drift liability.
Speed-induced aerodynamic smoothing
At standard speed (25 km/h), rotor wash creates a heavy center pattern with significant peaks and valleys in deposition. At the T100's high-speed mode (72 km/h), aerodynamic smoothing flattens the deposition profile to near-ideal uniformity (the blue line hugs 100%). This is one of the T100's most compelling advantages — faster speed actually improves coverage quality.
Application accuracy across the speed range
Ground rigs maintain 100% accuracy up to about 30 km/h, then accuracy drops sharply as boom bounce, air shear, and nozzle pressure instability take over — going negative at 80 km/h. The T100 holds 100% accuracy all the way to 72 km/h before any decline. This means the T100 can cover more acres per hour without sacrificing application quality.
Ground rig footprint — the acres you're losing
Every pass of a ground rig costs yield: 2.5% from direct trampling of plants in tire paths, 1.5% from root pinch and side compaction (6 inches on either side), and 1.0% from wet-year ruts causing standing water. Combined, that's 5.0% yield area lost — returned to the producer with drone application. The T100 baseline is zero impact. On a 1,000-acre operation, that's 50 acres of yield recovered.
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Brandon Gosling has completed the UAV Flight Review to Transport Canada standards and is certified for Advanced UAV Operations in Canada. Certified through Queen City Drone Productions and Training under Transport Canada Certified Flight Reviewer Ryan Beston.
The data speaks for itself. Let's talk about how drone application can work for your operation this season.