## 5 Discussion
The color scale ranges from dark blue for low key generation rates to bright yellow for high key generation rates. The color variation helps to visualize the combined effects of detector efficiency and noise levels on the key generation rate. This three-dimensional surface plot depicts the combined effects of the detector efficiency (ranging from 60% to 99%) and noise levels (0 to 50 Hz) on the QKD system's key generation rate. The results clearly show that a higher detector efficiency substantially enhances the key generation rate, whereas increasing noise levels cause a significant performance decline. These outcomes emphasize the necessity of optimizing detection hardware and implementing noise reduction techniques in practical UAV communication scenarios. As illustrated, an increase in detector efficiency results in both an enhanced key generation rate and a reduced error rate in the quantum channel, whereas higher dark counts and noise levels lead to elevated error rates and a diminished key generation performance. Despite the encouraging results, several limitations of the proposed algorithm must be acknowledged. First, while QKD offers unconditional security at the key transmission level, it does not protect against all potential attack vectors; for instance, threats targeting end devices (UAVs and ground stations) or vulnerabilities in the software implementation of the QKD protocol may still arise. Second, the performance of QKD is highly dependent on the characteristics of the quantum channel and may be compromised in conditions of poor visibility or significant atmospheric interference. In future research, we plan to:  
* Improve error robustness: Develop and implement more effective error correction and information reconciliation methods to lower the quantum channel error rate and enhance the key generation rate, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. * Develop adaptive algorithms: Create methods that enable the QKD system to dynamically adjust to fluctuations in the communication channel--such as variations in signal strength or atmospheric interference--thereby sustaining a high key generation rate and low error rate. * Optimize hardware implementation: Continue efforts to reduce the size, weight, and power consumption of the QKD system to ensure greater suitability for UAVs with limited resources. * Explore integration with other technologies: Investigate the potential for integrating QKD with complementary technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, to develop comprehensive data protection systems that ensure confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. Figure 12: Influence of detector efficiency and noise on key generation rate. * Conduct field tests: Transition from laboratory experiments and simulations to field tests involving real UAVs under various operating conditions. Planned pilot tests in controlled agricultural monitoring environments will evaluate key metrics--such as the key generation rate, quantum bit error rate (QBER), and data latency--across different altitudes, weather patterns, and UAV speeds, thereby validating the robustness and practicality of the proposed method. It is important to acknowledge certain limitations of the present study. First, the evaluation of the proposed QKD algorithm has been primarily based on theoretical models and simulations. Although these approaches yield valuable insights into potential system performance, they may not fully encapsulate the complexities of real-world deployment. Future studies should incorporate field experiments to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the system's effectiveness and practicality. Second, this study did not explicitly address the integration of QKD with existing communication systems and data transfer protocols, a critical consideration for the technology's practical implementation. Future research should focus on developing strategies for such integration. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the significant potential of QKD to secure data transmission in UAV-based agricultural GIS.