The Sifton bush infestation
Sifton bush (Cassinia arcuata) is a persistent problem on grazing country across southern NSW. Once it’s established on rough or steep ground it’s hard to control and almost impossible to reach with conventional ground equipment.
Agronomist Michael Gray of Amaroo Yass Investments engaged TechShift on behalf of their client to treat 40-hectares of Sifton bush infestation.
The property spanned 200 hectares across steep, broken country in the Southern Tablelands. The Sifton bush had spread across approx. 40 hectares and was continuing to grow each year.
Ground spraying wasn’t an option on the steeper sections. Helicopter was the obvious alternative, but cost was a concern and so was precision. Sifton bush in this country grows close to native Eucalypts and can adjoin neighbouring properties. Blanket application from a helicopter carries real drift risk to both.
With over 45 years of agribusiness experience, Michael Gray had always relied on helicopter contractors for hard to access jobs. While a helicopter had been the original plan, due to equipment failure it was no longer an option.
This caused another challenge; timing. The weather window was closing fast. They needed a crew who could mobilise quickly and access this tricky terrain. TechShift was on-site within days.
Platform: DJI Agras T100 (survey and application)
Mapping: T100 used for both mapping and application
Chemical: Grazon Extra + Metsulfuron + surfactant
Property size: 200Ha
Area treated: 40Ha
Application rate: 100 L/Ha
Flow rate: 40 L/min
Cost saving: 30% compared to helicopter
Sifton bush (Cassinia arcuata) shades out pasture, reduces carrying capacity, and spreads fast if left unchecked.
Imaging and mapping
Given the closing weather window, spending a separate day on mapping was not an option. Instead we used the T100 for both survey and application. This meant we flew the property first to map the treatment zones. Then loaded the chemicals and got straight to work. One platform, one mobilisation.
Mapping with the T100 before mixing means we know exactly what area needs treatment. Chemical is only mixed for confirmed blocks so we don't have excess product or waste. It also means we could provide accurate costings to the client before we started.
We were able to identify and map obstacles, waterways, Eucalypt stands and boundaries. These exclusion zones were locked into the flight plan with the T100 automatically stopping any spraying in those areas.
Techshift standing next to car and using mapping capabilities
Mixing
We've designed our setup to be self-sufficient on remote operations. We have water storage, a high-capacity batch mixer and a generator. This means we don't need to ferry to and from town between loads and can mix and reload the T100 in under a minute per cycle. This can save considerable time compared to traditional spraying methods.
A high water volume application is the best approach for Sifton bush. This ensures good coverage and penetration of canopy.
Michael from Techshift standing on trailer mixing
Spraying
We used Grazon Extra and Metsulfuron mix with a surfactant at 100L/Ha with a flow rate of 40L/min. This mix is well suited to the target species and gives strong residual control. The T100's high capacity tank and pump system is efficient in handling this kind of output. It can keep turnaround time low even at this volume.
The T100 maintains a consistent altitude above the canopy regardless of slope. The swath and spray pattern stays reliable across land with gradients. It easily reaches areas that would have been dangerous on foot or by quad.
We managed drift from spraying through flight height, droplet size and application timing. We always assess conditions before each run and are able to stop work if wind exceeds acceptable parameters.
Aerial spraying across land with Sifton bush
Results
We were able to treat all 40 hectares with full coverage of the target zones. We had no drift incidents to neighbouring properties or Eucalypt stands.
We generated and provided a detailed post-spray map after completion as usual. The maps show the client exactly what areas we treated and is useful for monitoring as well as reporting to landholders and future treatment planning.
Despite the high water volume and late notice, the cost comparison was significant. Michael Gray noted we delivered a 30% saving compared to helicopter for this job. We were able to provide better precision and full mapping records too.
“As an agribusiness consultant with 45 years in the industry, I recently engaged TechShift Aerial Solutions on behalf of a client to spray 40Ha of Sifton Bush in steep country located in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. It was my first experience using drones instead of a helicopter. The ability to target the Sifton Bush while protecting spray drift to non-target species such as Eucalypts and neighbouring properties was incredible. The ability to pre fly and map the zones to be sprayed gave us exact Ha for chemical volumes and costings prior to spraying. Detailed mapping showing the finished areas that were sprayed are invaluable. The overall cost using the drones resulted in a 30% saving as opposed to using a helicopter for this particular job. I would highly recommend anyone looking to spray target species especially in areas with difficult terrain where conventional spray methods cannot be considered, to speak with Michael from TechShift Aerial Solutions.”
Get in touch
Do you have inaccessible country that needs a precision approach? We specialise in difficult access, high precision operations in the southern NSW, northern Victoria and ACT regions.