Design and Testing of an Online Fertilizing Amount Detection Device Based on the Moment Balance Principle

Based on the principle of moment balance, this paper designs a fertilizer application amount online detection device, which is mainly composed of two major parts: the fertilizer guide mechanism and the fertilizer metering and discharging mechanism.Under the electromagnetic reversing and buffering of the fertilizer guide mechanism, the fertilizer discharged into the device falls alternately into the storage box of the two metering units of the metering and discharging mechanism. Once the gravity of the fertilizer in the storage box is greater than the suction of the electromagnetic sucker, the fertilizer discharging board is automatically opened for fertilizer discharge, and the metering pulse signal is accumulated once. Meanwhile, the fertilizer guide plate is driven by the electromagnetic commutator to reverse the material, and then another storage box is started for fertilizer storage and metering. In this approach, online detection of fertilizer flow can be realized by repeatedly guiding and reversing and metering the incoming fertilizer. According to the single metering fertilizer quality and the number of metering pulse signals, the fertilization amount can be calculated in real-time.The performance of the device was verified by bench test. The test results indicated that: The established fertilizer application detection model is a quadratic function (R2>0.98), and the verification error was less than 3.73% in the detection of alternating cycle fertilizer discharge; the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) reached 0.992 and 9.858 respectively, indicating high detection accuracy of the device is

Disain dan Pengujian Metering Device untuk Alat Penjatah Pupuk Granular Laju Variabel (Variable Rate Granular Fertilizer Applicator)

Uniform Rate of fertilizer Application (URA) practice is disregarding the productive potential of the various areas within the field. Thus, some area is less fertilized and other is over fertilized. It is also an important issue recently that nitrogen from fertilizers may be subjected to lost into atmosphere or enters streams through surface or subsurface drainage (leaching). The place with over-fertilization will be a potential source of pollution in the form of ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3) which may hazard people health. Variable rate of fertilizer applicator is a solution to overcame the negative impact of URA. It can control the appropriate of fertilizer dosage and location of application in the field. The objective of this research is to design a metering device for variable rate granular fertilizer applicator. The result of variable rate fertilizer testing with single metering device with single rotor indicated that the rate of urea, SP-36 and NPK are 0.84, 0.96 and 1.2 g/rotation respectively. The testing with double rotor indicated that the rate of urea, SP-36 and NPK are 1.14, 2.22 and 2.1 g/rotation respectively. The all of the testing result indicated that metering device which designed can be applied with urea, SP-36 and NPK fertilizer

Sensor Based Nitrogen Management for Cotton Production in Coastal Plain Soils

The main objective of this four year study was to develop, refine, and employ sensor-based algorithims to determine the mid season nitrogen requirements for production of irrigated and dryland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Coastal Plains soils. The secondary objective of the project was to develop and test equipment for variable rate application of nitrogen to commerical cotton fields utilizing the developed algorithim. Two different production fields at Clemson\u27s Edisto Research and Education Center near Blackville, SC were used. One field, equiped with an overhead irrigation system, was used during the 2007 and 2010 production seasons to develop the algorithm for irrigated cotton. The second field was used during the 2008 and 2009 seasons for developing the algorithm for dryland cotton nitrogen management. Each field was divided into three separate zones based on soil electrical-conductivity (EC) data. The algorithim was developed using \u27Nitrogen Ramp Calibration Strips\u27 (N-RCS) and varied prescription rate nitrogen plots. Three N-RCS were established in each production field, one per EC zone. The N-RCS was composed of 16 nitrogen rates (0 to 168.13 kgN*ha-1) on 5.0 meter intervals. For the varied prescription rate plots, five different rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 33, 67, 100, and 134 0kgN*ha-1) were replicated four times in plots of each zones using a Randomized Complete Block desgin arrangement. Optical sensor readings were collected from the test plots to determine cotton plant Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at different growth stages. The sensor readings were used to develop two different algorithims to be used in the estimation of mid-season nitrogen need of the cotton plants. Sensor readings collected between 40 and 60 days after planting were highly correlated (average R2\u3e 0.80) with the final yield and nitrogen requirement. The Response Index (RI), the extent to which the crop will respond to additional N, was calculated by dividing the highest NDVI reading from N-RCS and N-rich strips (established in each zone) by NDVI measurements of the adjacent area in each zone. In Season Estimated Yield (INSEY) was used along with the actual field yield to produce a yield potenial (YP0) for each growing season one for irrigated cotton and one for dry land cotton. The algorithm is N rate= (YP0*RI-YP0)*%N/NUE. Where the %N is the percentage of nitrogen in cotton seeds after harvest and NUE is the nitrogen use efficiency, typically 50%. The algorithim developed from the 2008 growing season was used during the 2009 growing season to estimate the amount of mid-season side-dress nitrogen required for specific research plots in the production field. The algorithm reccommended a reduced rate of nitrogen (40% less) across the entire field compared to the normal grower practice (101 kgN*ha-1) with no reduction in cotton yield. Similar results were obtained when using the Oklahoma State University Algorithm. Three different methods of nitrogen application were tested, one during each of the growing seasons of 2007-2009. During the 2007 production year a typical pull behind nitrogen side-dress applicator with a ground driven piston pump was used. This applicator was the most crude and innacurate method of fertilizer application used during the study. During the 2008 production year a custom built applicator was used. The applicator operated using a hydraulic pump in combination with an in-cab control system. The rates were adjusted using various orifices and solenoids. The final applicator, tested in 2009, was a typical three point hitch pull behind side-dress coulter rig controlled using a hydraullic Rawson controller for the piston pump. The three point hitch applicator has the potential to be the most accurate and versatile of any used during the project. Various equipment was tested throughout the study to determine the best and most accurate way to apply the mid-season N algorithm fertilizer recommendation. The parameters of specific equipment such as the GreenSeekers¨ for measuring NDVI were tested to determine the true accuracy based on height above crop canopy and time of day, which is related to the sun angle and solar radiation. The results of this test proved that the sensor is height sensitive with an optimal height range of .8128 to 0.9144 meters. It was determined from the test that the sensors are not sun angle sensitive and return a non statistical difference in readings throughout the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. (EST). The sensors returned a lower number once the sun had set but the main reason for the lower number is due to the physiological response of the plant. It was found due to the response of the plant that it is not possible to obtain an accurate sensor reading at night. Sensor readings taken from two different travel directions were found to not be statistically different, thus the sensors were found not to be travel direction specific. The data remained constant independent of the orientation of the field. This study confirmed that there is a significant possibility to accurately predict in-season expected yield (INSEY) in cotton using mid-season NDVI sensor readings in conjunction with an accurate prediction of a reduced nitrogen requirement without a significant reduction in yield. Two different ultra-sonic height sensors were tested during the growing season of 2010 to determine the feasibility of determining plant height on-the-go. Both sensors gave promising results to accurately predict plant height with more testing and reprograming

Response Time Evaluation Of Real-Time Sensor Based Variable Rate Technology Equipment

Real-time sensor based variable rate technology (VRT) equipment is complex with many different components working together to achieve a desired output. The equipment provides rate- controller set-point every second creating more challenges in terms of functioning of each component and its response time to achieve a variable rate application with existing rate-controllers, valves and nozzles. All components involved operate on inputs from the other thereby inducing a time delay. This time delay among components questions the credibility on performance of sensor based commercially available VRT equipment and its overall response time. Response time of commercially available real-time sensor based VRT system was evaluated with two applicator configurations: Applicator equipped with Capstan PWM technology with fixed orifice nozzles and an applicator equipped with Raven FC-Valve with variable orifice nozzles. Parameters pressure, flow rate, controller input from the sensor system were measured and logged using a data acquisition system. The data were analyzed to determine if the applied rate correctly follows the desired set-point rates or if there is any delay in overall response time of VRT equipment for different settings of the rate-controller. Results showed that rate-controller settings were different for both applicator configurations for achieving minimum response time of around 0.5 s. This work will aid in determining the spatial resolution for variable rate application using commercially VRT equipment.Biosystems and Agricultural Engineerin

A SPATIAL MODEL FOR EVALUATING VARIABLE-RATE FERTILIZER APPLICATION ACCURACY

The popularity of variable-rate technology (VRT) has grown. However, the limitations and errors ofthis technology are generally unknown. Therefore, a spatial data model was developed to generate asapplied surfaces to advance precision agricultural (PA) practices. A test methodology based on ASAEStandard S341.2 was developed to perform uniform-rate (UR) and variable-rate (VR) tests to characterizedistribution patterns testing four VRT granular applicators (two spinner spreaders and two pneumaticapplicators). Single-pass UR patterns exhibited consistent shapes for three of the applicators with patternsshifts observed for the fourth applicator. Simulated overlap analysis showed that three of the applicatorsperformed satisfactorily with most CVs less than 20% while one applicator performed poorly (CVs andgt;25%). The spinner spreaders over-applied at the margins but the pneumatic applicators under-appliedsuggesting a required adjustment to the effective swath spacing. Therefore, it is recommended that CVsaccompany overlap pattern plots to ensure proper calibration of VRT application.Quantification of the rate response characteristics for the various applicators illustrated varying delayand transition times. Only one applicator demonstrated consistent delay and transition times. A sigmoidalfunction was used to model the rate response for applicators. One applicator exhibited a linear responseduring a decreasing rate change. Rate changes were quicker for the two newer VR control systemssignifying advancement in hydraulic control valve technology. This research illustrates the need forstandard testing protocols for VRT systems to help guide VRT software developers, equipmentmanufacturers, and users.The spatial data model uses GIS functionality to merge applicator descriptive patterns with a spatialfield application file (FAF) to generate an \u27as-applied\u27 surface representing the actual distribution ofgranular fertilizer. Field data was collected and used to validate the as-applied spatial model.Comparisons between the actual and predicted application rates for several fields were madedemonstrating good correlations for one applicator (several R2 andgt; 0.70), moderate success for anotherapplicator (0.60 andlt; R2 andlt; 0.66), and poor relationships for the third applicator (R2 andlt; 0.49). A comparison ofthe actual application rates to the prescription maps generated R2 values between 0.16 and 0.81demonstrating inconsistent VRT applicator performance. Thus, as-applied surfaces provide a means toproperly evaluate VRT while enhancing researchers\u27 ability to compare VR management approaches

Disain dan Pengujian Metering Device untuk Alat Penjatah Pupuk Granular Laju Variabel (Variable Rate Granular Fertilizer Applicator)

Abstract Uniform Rate of fertilizer Application (URA) practice is disregarding the productive potential of the various areas within the field. Thus, some area is less fertilized and other is over fertilized. It is also an important issue recently that nitrogen from fertilizers may be subjected to lost into atmosphere or enters streams  through surface or subsurface drainage (leaching). The place with over-fertilization will be a potential source of pollution in the form of ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3) which may hazard people health. Variable rate of fertilizer applicator is a solution to overcame the negative impact of URA. It can control the appropriate of fertilizer dosage and location of application in the field. The objective of this research is to design a metering device for variable rate granular fertilizer applicator. The result of variable rate fertilizer testing with single metering device with single rotor indicated that the rate of urea, SP-36 and NPK are 0.84, 0.96  and 1.2 g/rotation respectively. The testing with double rotor indicated that the rate of urea, SP-36 and NPK are 1.14, 2.22 and 2.1 g/rotation respectively. The all of the testing result indicated that metering device which designed can be applied with urea, SP-36 and NPK fertilizer. Keywords: granular applicator, metering device, PID controller, variable rate Abstrak Praktik penerapan pupuk laju seragan (URA) umumnya dilakukan tanpa  memperhitungkan potensi hasil pada berbagai lokasi lahan. Dengan demikian, sebagian luasan akan mendapatkan pupuk yang kurang sedangkan yang lainnya berlebihan. Selain itu belakangan ini ada isu yang menyatakan bahwa terjadi kehilangan unsur nitrogen dari pupuk akibat  penguapan  ke atmosfer atau mengalir bersama aliran air drainase permukaan atau bawah permukaan. Tempat yang dosis pupuknya berlebihan akan berpotensi menjadi sumber polusi dalam bentuk ammonia (NH3), nitrit (NO2) dan nitrat (NO3) yang akan mempengaruhi kesehatan manusia.  Aplikator pupuk laju berubah (variable) adalah solusi untuk mengatasi dampak negative dari URA tersebut. Mekanisme ini dapat mengatur dosis dan lokasi pemberian pupuk secara tepat pada lahan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah merancang matering device untuk aplikator pupuk butiran laju berubah. Hasil pengujian alat pemberi pupuk laju berubah  dengan matering device tunggal dan rotor tunggal menunjukkan laju pemberian pupuk urea, SP-36 dan NPK adalah berturut-turut sebesar 0.84, 0.96 dan 1.2 gr/ putaran. Pengujian dengan rotor ganda menunjukkan bahwa laju pemberian pupuk urea, SP-36 dan NPK secara berurutan sebesar 1.14, 2.22, dan 2.1 gr/ putaran. Hasil dari keseluruhan pengujian menunjukkan bahwa matering device yang dirancang dapat dipergunakan untuk penerapan pupuk urea, SP-36 dan NPK. Kata Kunci: Aplikator butiran, matering device, Kontroler PID, dan laju berubah. Diterima: 03 Maret 2011; Disetujui: 05 Juli 2011

Precision Agriculture Technology for Crop Farming

This book provides a review of precision agriculture technology development, followed by a presentation of the state-of-the-art and future requirements of precision agriculture technology. It presents different styles of precision agriculture technologies suitable for large scale mechanized farming; highly automated community-based mechanized production; and fully mechanized farming practices commonly seen in emerging economic regions. The book emphasizes the introduction of core technical features of sensing, data processing and interpretation technologies, crop modeling and production control theory, intelligent machinery and field robots for precision agriculture production

Fuzzy control systems for auger-type fertilizer distributor with electric drive

Orientador: Nelson Luis CappelliTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia AgrícolaResumo: A operação de aplicação de fertilizante é um fator relevante na composição do custo de produção agrícola no Brasil. A desuniformidade da taxa de aplicação resulta na perda de produtividade da cultura. Além disso, o excesso de fertilizantes implica num gasto desnecessário de produto e pode ser prejudicial às plantas, bem como ao meio ambiente. Por outro lado, sua falta pode resultar em decréscimo na produtividade devido à deficiência de nutrientes. Verifica-se que há um ganho na qualidade da aplicação quando se incrementa novas tecnologias aos mecanismos dosadores, o que justifica pesquisas de novos equipamentos de dosagem de insumos. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um sistema de controle fuzzy, em malha fechada, da taxa de aplicação de fertilizante. Para isso se desenvolveu um modelo matemático que representa o comportamento do mecanismo dosador, um sensor para medir o fluxo de fertilizante e, por fim, o projeto de um controlador do tipo fuzzy para controle da taxa de aplicação de fertilizante. A resposta do modelo matemático proposto foi a vazão mássica de fertilizante aplicado, simulado por meio do programa MATLAB. O modelo foi capaz de gerar valores significativamente próximos aos reais. O coeficiente de ajuste variou entre 89,9 e 95,4 %. O protótipo do sensor de medição de fluxo de massa de fertilizante granular conta com um duto vazado na saída do dosador de fertilizante. No interior deste tubo há um êmbolo, com uma célula de carga, que tem a função de medir a força exercida sobre o mesmo. Em função da posição do êmbolo e da força obtida pela célula de carga, pode-se definir a quantidade de fertilizante aplicado. O sensor se mostrou adequado para a aplicação proposta. O controlador foi desenvolvido na ferramenta "Fuzzy Logic Toolbox" do programa MATLAB. A variável manipulada foi a tensão de excitação do motor elétrico e as variáveis de entrada foram: o erro e o desvio do erro da taxa de aplicação atual e a taxa requerida, além da velocidade e do desvio da velocidade de deslocamento do equipamento. Pelas simulações observou-se que o sistema de controle foi capaz de corrigir a taxa de aplicação de maneira adequada. Posteriormente, com os parâmetros fornecidos pelas simulações, foi implementado o sistema de controle na bancada de testes, e se observou que o tempo médio de resposta foi de 0,32 s e o erro em regime médio foi de 3,98 %. O sistema de controle foi apropriado para a mudanças no ponto de operação bem como reduzir a característica oscilatória do mecanismo dosador helicoidalAbstract: The operation of fertilizer application is an important factor in the composition of production costs in Brazil. The uneven application rate results in the loss of productivity when harvesting. Furthermore, the excess of fertilizer implies an unnecessary waste of product and may be harmful to plants as well as to the environment. On the other hand, its lack may result in decreased of productivity due to nutrient deficiency. It appears that there is a gain in quality with increasing application of new technologies to the meter mechanism, justifying research for new equipments for fertilizer application. The aim of this study was to develop an advanced control system in closed loop rate fertilizer application. To this end, it was developed a mathematical model that represents the behavior of the metering system, a sensor for measuring the flow of fertilizer and, finally, the design of a fuzzy type controller to control the rate of fertilizer application. The response of the mathematical model was the mass flow of fertilizer applied, simulated using the program MatLab. The results were compared with experimental data. The model was able to generate significantly amount close to the actual values. The adjustment coefficient ranged between 89.9 and 95.4 %. The prototype sensor for measuring mass flow of granular fertilizer has a leaking pipe at the outlet of the feeder of fertilizer. Inside this tube is a piston with a load cell, which serves to measure the force exerted on it. Depending on the position of the piston and the force obtained by the load cell, you can set the amount of fertilizer applied. The sensor was has shown adequate for the proposed application. The controller was developed in the tool "Fuzzy Logic Toolbox" of MATLAB program. The manipulated variable was the voltage applied to the electric motor housing and the input variables were the error and deviation of the error rate of current application and required rate, beyond the speed and the deviation of the velocity of the equipment. For the simulations showed that the control system was able to fix the rate of application properly. Later, with the parameters provided by the simulations, the system was implemented to control the test benchDoutoradoMaquinas AgricolasDoutor em Engenharia Agrícol