FAUVE Project: Rovensa Next and UTC Collaborate on Drone Spraying Research for Water Efficiency
29 January 2026, Madrid: Rovensa Next is participating as a research partner in the FAUVE project, led by the Université de Technologie de Compiègne (UTC), France. The project examines the use of agricultural drones and ultra-low-volume spraying systems to improve the efficiency of crop adjuvant applications while reducing water use and spray drift.
The project focuses on how drone-based applications can support targeted spraying by optimizing droplet behavior, coverage, and product deposition. Early trials have shown a reduction in wind drift of up to 57 percent and a decrease of up to 63 percent in finer droplets during herbicide applications.
Project Scope and Objectives
The FAUVE project is being conducted in collaboration with UTC’s TIMR research team (Integrated Transformation of Renewable Matter) and is funded by the Hauts-de-France Region. It began in January 2024 and will run until July 2026. Field trials are being carried out in France and Brazil to assess how ultra-low-volume spraying can reduce water consumption, limit off-target drift, and improve application accuracy.
The research aims to support more precise application methods by studying how adjuvants behave under drone spraying conditions. Parameters such as application volume, droplet size, spray coverage, spreading, and drift reduction are being evaluated across different crops and formulations.
According to the DJI Agriculture Industry Insight Report, the global fleet of agricultural drones, estimated at around 400,000 units, has contributed to savings of approximately 222 million tons of water and a reduction of 30.87 million tons of CO₂ emissions. As drone adoption increases, understanding formulation performance at low spray volumes is becoming more relevant for farmers facing climate and regulatory constraints.
Focus on Water Use and Input Optimization
Drone spraying research aligns with Rovensa Next’s approach to improving resource efficiency in crop production. The company is evaluating how next-generation adjuvants perform under ultra-low-volume conditions to support reduced water use and lower input requirements.
Cédric Ernenwein, Global R&D Product Design Manager at Rovensa Next, said the project allows the company to assess how adjuvants spread and cover leaf surfaces when applied via drones, with the aim of maintaining or improving application performance while reducing water and product use.
The research also contributes to broader efforts to optimize agri-input use by improving spray efficiency and limiting losses due to drift or runoff. These approaches support integrated crop management systems and aim to reduce reliance on higher application volumes.
Research Activities in France and Brazil
In France, research activities focus on enabling the authorized use of drones for biocontrol products and low-risk substances, particularly in vineyards and banana crops. Trials have indicated improvements in spray stability and coverage at ultra-low volumes, including with formulations containing copper or sulphur.
In Brazil, the project targets large-acreage crops such as soybean and corn. Trials include fungicide, insecticide, and herbicide applications, with specific attention to droplet formation and drift behavior. Wind tunnel testing has been used to simulate airflow conditions and evaluate drift reduction based on nozzle type, pressure, and formulation.
Initial prototype testing showed a reduction in fine droplets ranging from 35 to 63 percent, depending on nozzle and pressure settings. Wind drift was reduced by 40 to 57 percent, while foam formation during high-speed mixing was reduced by up to 2.5 times. These results have supported the identification of adjuvant formulations with improved spray characteristics.
The next stage of the project will expand field trials to measure spray deposit, coverage, and biological efficacy, alongside compatibility testing with a wider range of crop protection products.
Product Development and New Formulation Research
As part of the project outcomes, Rovensa Next has developed an adjuvant solution for the Brazilian market based on natural oil derivatives. The formulation functions as an anti-drift, anti-foam, spreading, and penetration aid. Following laboratory-scale testing, the product is now undergoing field evaluation, with plans to expand its availability to other markets.
A further research focus of the FAUVE project is the evaluation of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). These biodegradable liquid mixtures derived from plant-based components are being assessed for the first time in drone-based ultra-low-volume applications. Research is examining spray uniformity, interaction with plant surfaces, penetration behavior, and potential drift reduction, without the use of conventional surfactants.
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