How Drones Are Revolutionizing Greenhouse Maintenance and Worker Safety

A Safer Solution for Workers

Applying whitewash to greenhouse roofs has traditionally been labor-intensive and risky, with workers needing to climb ladders or elevated platforms. Using a drone, we were able to complete the entire application while keeping all feet on the ground, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. Traditional rooftop work can expose staff to heat stress, falls, and repetitive strain. By using drones, we eliminate these risks entirely, while still maintaining complete control over the application.

Efficiency at Scale

The greenhouse we treated had a roof area of approximately 2 hectares. Thanks to drone application, we were able to cover this entire area in just one day, something that would have taken a traditional crew several days to achieve.

Technical Insight: Our drone can carry large payloads of whitewash and fly with GPS-guided precision, ensuring full coverage without overlap or missed spots. This level of efficiency is simply not possible with manual methods.

Precision Coverage with Minimal Waste

Drones offer even and consistent coverage that is hard to achieve manually. This precision ensures all areas of the greenhouse roof receive proper application, reducing material waste and maximizing the effectiveness of the whitewash.

Fun Fact: Drone spraying technology can reduce chemical or whitewash waste by up to 30% compared to traditional methods, saving costs and reducing environmental impact.

Environmental and Plant Benefits

Whitewash plays a crucial role in greenhouse management. It helps reduce internal temperatures during summer, keeping plants healthier and improving comfort for workers. Despite the coating, sunlight still penetrates the roof, allowing plants to continue photosynthesis and thrive.

Technical Insight: Whitewash reflects excess sunlight while allowing sufficient diffused light to reach plants. This helps prevent overheating while still supporting plant growth—a balance that is critical for high-yield greenhouse operations.

Modern Technology for Long-Term Gains

This project demonstrates how modern technology can transform traditional practices. The client has now embraced this drone-based approach, benefiting from time and cost savings, enhanced safety, and superior coverage. By adopting drone applications, they have modernized their greenhouse management process, using innovation to save both time and money while improving outcomes.

Drone applications aren’t limited to whitewash—they can also be used for fertilizer application, pest control, and crop health monitoring, making them a versatile tool for modern agriculture.

Conclusion

At AviAg, we are proud to help growers adopt innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and improve results. The Yarra Ranges whitewash project is a perfect example of precision, and productivity.

Interested in modernizing your greenhouse operations? Contact AviAg today to explore how drone technology can make your work safer, faster, and more effective.