THE USE OF DRONES IN COMBATING PESTS AND DISEASES IN SOYBEAN CULTIVATION

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces constant challenges in combating pests and diseases, especially in economically important crops such as soybeans. In this context, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, has proven to be a promising tool for monitoring and managing crop health. This study aims to analyze the applications of drones in controlling pests and diseases in soybean cultivation, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and future prospects. The adopted methodology is based on qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive bibliographic research, The results show that the use of drones provides more precise monitoring, reduces the use of inputs, and increases productivity. However, challenges such as equipment costs and the need for technical training still limit their widespread adoption.