Skip to content
← Field evidenceCase study · 21 Mar 2024

Drones Spraying over Aquatic weeds

Shoalhaven City Council successfully tackled the rapid spread of Salvinia molesta by deploying XAG’s P100 Pro drone.

The Shoalhaven City Council in New South Wales faced a significant challenge in controlling Salvinia molesta, an invasive aquatic weed classified under the Biosecurity Act. Known for its rapid growth, Salvinia can obstruct waterways, degrade water quality, disrupt ecosystems, and result in substantial management costs if left untreated.

To address the issue, XAG Australia’s Operations Team deployed the XAG P100 Pro agricultural drone to spray the affected dam area. Equipped with autonomous flight capabilities and precision spraying technology, the agricultural drone efficiently treated the infestation in just five hours, preventing further spread and protecting the waterway from blockage.

Unlike conventional spraying methods, the P100 Pro was able to safely access hard-to-reach areas without the need for extensive manual labour or specialised ground equipment. Its precise application system ensured chemicals were delivered accurately to the target area, reducing spray waste, improving treatment effectiveness, and minimising environmental impact.

The rapid and efficient operation left a lasting impression on the council, who stated:

"What would take weeks and extensive labour, you achieved in just a few hours."

This successful project highlights how agricultural drones are transforming environmental management by providing faster, more precise, and cost-effective weed control solutions. By combining autonomous flight, remote operation, and targeted spraying, XAG agricultural drones help organisations reduce labour requirements, optimise chemical use, and achieve better outcomes in challenging environments.