How much does drone spraying cost per hectare? Prices and what they depend on
Published: 27 October 2026
How is the price per hectare for a drone application calculated? Below you will find an overview of our 2026 services, the billing rules, an example calculation and a comparison with the cost of a boom sprayer.
Drone services 2026 (price on request, excl. VAT)
| Operation | Price (excl. VAT) | Minimum area |
|---|---|---|
| Foliar feeding | price on request | 10 ha |
| Biostimulants and growth stimulants | price on request | 10 ha |
| Spreading granular fertiliser | price on request | 5 ha |
| Seeding and undersowing of cover crops | price on request | 5 ha |
| Trichogramma – 2 applications | price on request | – |
| Trichogramma – 1 application | price on request | – |
| Orchards and plantations: biological spraying (up to 100 l of liquid/ha) | price on request | 3 ha |
| Orchards and plantations: biostimulants, foliar fertilisers (up to 70 l of liquid/ha) | price on request | 3 ha |
| Multispectral (NDVI) field analysis | price on request | 10 ha |
| Application map for variable-rate application | surcharge – price on request | with NDVI analysis |
| Comparative analysis – repeat flight during the season | price on request | field with NDVI analysis |
| Orchards and plantations: flight and orthomosaic map | price on request | 5 ha |
| Orchards and plantations: multispectral analysis with evaluation | price on request | 5 ha |
| Orchards and plantations: tree and shrub inventory with report | price on request | – |
| Greenhouse shading | price on request | 1 ha of cover |
| Greenhouse washing, including removal of the shading | price on request | 1 ha of cover |
| Shading + washing in one seasonal job | price on request | 1 ha of cover |
| Application of crop protection products | individual quote | requires an application plan in line with the product label and SACAA RPAS rules |
Agrodron 2026 price list. Product, fertiliser and seed are not included – you can buy them yourself or order them through us.
Travel and billing terms
- Travel up to 150 km from our base is included in the price (80 km for greenhouse shading and washing). Beyond that distance, price on request – for fields we charge one way only, for greenhouses and orchards both ways.
- Area is calculated from the drone's GNSS track, not from the declared figure.
- Below the minimum we charge the minimum area or a call-out fee.
- Over 100 ha (over 50 ha in orchards) and for seasonal contracts – individual terms.
- Non-standard conditions – night-time operations, waterlogged areas, plots under 2 ha or highly fragmented land – individual quote plus a mobilisation fee (price on request).
Example calculation
Foliar fertilising of 25 ha of canola, with the field farther from our base than the distance included in the price: price per hectare × 25 ha + travel beyond the included distance. Total price on request.
What affects the price
- Area – the more hectares in one place, the lower the rate on seasonal contracts.
- Plot shape and obstacles – trees, power lines and small plots make the work take longer.
- Application volume – 10 l/ha means a different work rate from 30 l/ha.
- Type of operation – applying crop protection products must follow the product label (Act 36 registration) and SACAA RPAS rules, and is quoted separately.
Is a drone more expensive than a sprayer?
Per hectare of service – often yes. But when comparing, factor in wheel damage, especially with late applications and in fields without tramlines (according to manufacturers, up to a few percent of yield), the absence of soil compaction, and the ability to work when the field is wet. In tall maize or flowering canola, a drone is sometimes the only option. You will find details in the comparison drone or sprayer application.
How to get a quote
Tell us the location, area, crop and planned operation. We will reply with a price and a date within 24 hours. Request a quote.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
How much does drone spraying cost per hectare?
At Agrodron, the price for foliar feeding and biostimulants (min. 10 ha) and for biological spraying in orchards is on request. Applications of crop protection products are quoted individually.
Is transport included in the price?
It depends on the distance to the site. We will confirm transport terms when you enquire – price on request.
Does the price include the product or fertiliser?
No. You pay for the service; you can either buy the product yourself or order it through us.
How much does cover crop seeding by drone cost?
Price on request, for a minimum area of 5 ha, excluding the cost of seed.