UAV Aerodynamics and Crop Interaction

This book offers insights into how drone aerodynamics influence crop growth, yield, and resilience, and explores the potential of UAV technology. By bridging advanced engineering principles with precision agriculture, it presents practical methods for optimizing UAV operations to enhance microclimates, improve crop health, and boost productivity. Readers will find in-depth analyses supported by compelling results, clear case studies, and high-quality illustrations that vividly demonstrate the interaction between UAV downwash airflow and crop morphology. Special features include detailed schematics, data-driven tables, and a step-by-step guide to designing UAV systems tailored for agricultural applications. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers not only understand the science but are also equipped to implement innovative techniques in real-world scenarios. The primary audience of this book includes undergraduates and graduate students, crop scientists, agronomists, agricultural engineers, UAV researchers, policymakers, and advanced students seeking to revolutionize sustainable farming practices through cutting-edge drone technologies.

Dr. Imran, an Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture (Extension Wing), Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, holds a Ph.D. from The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, specializing in agronomy, climate change and Agro-Meteorology. Acknowledged for dedication to climate change and agro-meteorology, he received the Swiss Development Cooperation fellowship during his doctoral studies and the Turk Presidential fellowship Award for his postdoctoral program. Dr. Imran served as a visiting professor at the Rhizosphere Laboratory, University of Cukurova, Turkey, and is currently a postdoctoral researcher and faculty member at College of Engineering, Agriculture Aviation innovation laboratory at South China Agriculture University Guangzhou, China. He has published over 105 research and review articles and more than 40 book chapters related to agro-meteorology, climate change, crop production, and sustainable soil management. Beyond research, his career spans roles as a soil ecologist, agronomy lecturer (Hazara University Manshra, Pakistan, Cukurova University Turkey, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad), and positions with organizations like USAID, IAO italiana and PDMA. Dr. Imran's research interests include Plant interaction with soil and climate, crop nutrition, degraded soil management, crop competition, and sustainable agriculture in stressful environments, complemented by expertise in climate forecasting and agro-meteorology.

Prof. Dr. Jiyu Li is a distinguished Doctor of Engineering, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at South China Agricultural University. He serves on the Editorial Committee of Agriculture, Youth Editorial Committee of the Journal of Agricultural Machinery, and Youth Editorial Committee of the Journal of South China Agricultural University. Additionally, he holds key positions, including Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Agricultural Aviation Applied Engineering Technology Research Center, Founder of the UAV Association of South China Agricultural University, Director of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Robotic Engineering Director, and Head of AOPA College Training Institution.

Prof. Li's research focuses on the effect and efficiency of precise operation of rotor aircraft, developing new field and airborne sensors, airflow target flight control systems, configuring UAV energy, load, and architecture, and exploring the operation performance of large-load UAVs. He has presided over 15 projects, including National Natural Science Foundation surface projects and key special projects of the national key research and development plan. His work has resulted in 85 published papers, with 49 included in SCI/EI, and 59 effective invention patents, of which 49 have been authorized. He has also transformed 7 achievements and received notable awards, including the Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award and the Dabei Agricultural Science and Technology Progress Award.

In addition to his research accomplishments, Prof. Li teaches national first-class undergraduate courses, including "Basics of Small Aircraft" and "Nature and Flight." He has guided excellent graduate students and postgraduate students in various competitions, leading to national awards.