Not Available

Not AvailableA microcontroller based manually operated three row roller contact type herbicide applicator was designed and developed for control of the weed population in field crops. A control system was developed to apply the quantity of the herbicide based on quantified weed information. The unit consists of a camera for capturing the images of weeds, MATLAB software for image acquisition and processing in a laptop, a serial port communication for communicating between laptop and controller, a microcontroller for controlling the application of herbicide through a relay, and a dc solenoid valve for variable rate application of herbicide on the applicating roller. The captured image was analyzed by the image processing toolbox in the MATLAB software, to extract weed information in the image, which is then transferred to a microcontroller using serial port interface. The microcontroller activates the solenoid valve using a relay according to algorithm for decision of the herbicide amount. Field test results of the machine indicate an average of 50% saving in the amount of herbicide, with weeding efficiency of 90%.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableAutomation in agriculture is gathering a prominent base for enhanced mechanized farming. These technologies save excess labor, effort, time and costs involved in pertinent methods of crop production. Furthermore, avoiding drudgery and health risks. Weed management especially in the intra-row zone is one of the most tedious operations, involving excess costs and health risks when performed manually. In this regard, an intra-row sensor based weeding technology was developed that removes weeds in the intra-row zone in addition to protecting the main crop by sensing their physiology. A controller algorithm was developed to direct the electro-mechanical units for efficient operation. The system was tested for its sensing accuracy and encountered plant damage while preliminary evaluations. The overall operating efficiency varied within 80 to 96 % when evaluated under different plant spacing.Not Availabl