Denis Stajnko (Author), Peter Berk (Author), Mario Lešnik (Author), Viktor Jejčič (Author), Miran Lakota (Author), Andrej Štrancar (Author), Marko Hočevar (Author), Jurij Rakun (Author)

Abstract

This research demonstrates the basic elements of a prototype automated orchard sprayer which delivers pesticide spray selectively with respect to the characteristics of the targets. The density of an apple tree canopy was detected by PROWAVE 400EP250 ultrasound sensors controlled by a Cypress PSOC CY8C29466 microcontroller. The ultrasound signal was processed with an embedded computer built around a LPC1343 microcontroller and fed in real time to electro-magnetic valves which open/close spraying nozzles in relation to the canopy structure. The analysis focuses on the detection of appropriate thresholds on 15 cm ultrasound bands, which correspond to maximal response to tree density, and this was selected for accurate spraying guidance. Evaluationof the system was performed in an apple orchard by detecting deposits of tartrazine dye (TD) on apple leaves. The employment of programmable microcontrollers and electro-magnetic valves decreased the amountof spray delivered by up to 48.15%. In contrast, the reduction of TD wasonly up to 37.7% at some positions within the tree crown and 65.1% in the gaps between trees. For all these reasons, this concept of precise orchard spraying can contribute to a reduction of costs and environmental pollution, while obtaining similar or even better leaf deposits.

Keywords

air-assisted sprayer;ultrasound;algorithm;programmable;microcontroller;spray distribution;orchard;

Data

Language: English
Year of publishing:
Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization: UM FKBV - Faculty of Agriculture
UDC: 636.348:004.9:634.1
COBISS: 3424812 Link will open in a new window
ISSN: 1424-8220
Parent publication: Sensors
Views: 1308
Downloads: 385
Average score: 0 (0 votes)
Metadata: JSON JSON-RDF JSON-LD TURTLE N-TRIPLES XML RDFA MICRODATA DC-XML DC-RDF RDF

Other data

Secondary language: Slovenian
Secondary keywords: pršilnik z zračnim tokom;ultrazvok;algoritem;mikrokrmilnik;distribucija pršila;sadovnjak;
URN: URN:SI:UM:
Type (COBISS): Scientific work
Pages: str. 15500-15519
Volume: ǂLetn. ǂ12
Issue: ǂšt. ǂ11
Chronology: 2012
DOI: 10.3390/s121115500
ID: 10844050