Drones with modified air rifles are being used to shoot native tree seeds and fertiliser into cropping country.

University of New England researcher Rhiannon Smith is leading the seeding project that’s aimed at restoring habitat for birds, bats and beneficials on cotton farms on a large scale.

The drones can sow 1 hectare, about the size of a football field, in 18 minutes with “one person sitting in the ute playing on the computer”.

But the specialised drones can’t be used by just anyone.

ABC reporter Cara Jeffery speaks with Dr Smith about the trial that’s revegetating agricultural land.