Method for providing control data for a fertilization device - Patent Application 20070122637

Abstract

1. A computer-implemented method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the method comprising: providing field data for the field; providing first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data associated with a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data associated with a nitrogen fertilizer product not including the means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field based on the provided field data; 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for a first fertilizer product and a second fertilizer product based on fertilizer rate data; utilizing the emissions calculation model to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; providing a differential CO2 equivalent value between application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the CO2 equivalent data; providing a predetermined CO2 equivalent savings value; and providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply the first fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2 equivalent value is greater than or equal to the CO2 equivalent savings value, and providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply the second fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2 equivalent value is less than the CO2 equivalent savings value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, a system and / or apparatus for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the use of different data in such methods, and respective computer program elements. [Background technology]

[0002] The general background of this disclosure is the treatment of farm fields with fertilizer products. Farmers apply fertilizer products, such as fertilizers, slurries, and the like, containing nitrogen forms such as urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium, nitrate, and / or organic nitrogen. Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth, plant health, and reproduction. Approximately 5% of plant-available nitrogen in soil (ammonium or nitrate) comes from the decomposition process (mineralization) of organic nitrogen compounds, such as humus, plant and animal residues, and organic fertilizers. Approximately 5% comes from rainfall. However, globally, the largest portion (90%) is supplied to plants by organic and inorganic (so-called mineral) nitrogen fertilizers. The most commonly used inorganic nitrogen fertilizers contain urea and / or ammonium compounds or their derivatives; i.e., nearly 90% of nitrogen fertilizers applied worldwide are in the urea and / or NF forms (see Subbarao et al., 2012, Advances in Agronomy, 114, 249-302). However, all nitrogen forms are converted into other nitrogen forms in the soil, and during these conversion processes, nitrogen losses in the form of ammonia (NH), nitrous oxide (NO), and / or nitrate (NO) can occur. The extent of these nitrogen losses depends on differences in soil, weather, and management factors. It is generally known that such nitrogen losses can be reduced by different means, such as so-called nitrogen inhibitors, such as nitrification inhibitors, denitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, or mineralization inhibitors. However, it is often difficult for farmers to objectively determine whether and how each means should be applied. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It has been found that a need exists to provide an objective means of assessing the impact of fertilizer use, including measures to reduce nitrogen losses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the method comprising: providing field data for the field; providing first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a measure for reducing nitrogen loss; and providing fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the provided field data, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field; providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; utilizing an emissions calculation model to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; providing a differential CO2 equivalent between application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the CO2 equivalent data; providing a specified CO2 equivalent savings; and If the differential CO2 equivalent value is greater than or equal to the CO2 equivalent savings value, providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a first fertilizer product to the field, and if the differential CO2 equivalent value is less than the CO2 equivalent savings value, providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a second fertilizer product to the field.

[0005] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, wherein control data for the fertilization device is provided by a computer-implemented method for providing control data for a fertilization device as described herein.

[0006] In other words, a fertilization device is provided for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the fertilization device being configured to use, and in particular to be controlled by, fertilization device control data, the control data being control data provided by a method for providing fertilization device control data as described in the present disclosure.

[0007] In further terms, there is provided a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the fertilization device being configured to use, and in particular to be controlled by, fertilization device control data, the control data comprising: providing field data for the field; providing first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a measure for reducing nitrogen loss; and providing fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the provided field data, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field; providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; utilizing an emissions calculation model to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; providing a differential CO2 equivalent between application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the CO2 equivalent data; providing a specified CO2 equivalent savings; and If the differential CO2 equivalent value is equal to or greater than the CO2 equivalent savings value, providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a first fertilizer product to the field; and if the differential CO2 equivalent value is less than the CO2 equivalent savings value, providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a second fertilizer product to the field.

[0008] In particular, a fertilization device according to the present disclosure may be configured to operate according to control data, which may be configured, for example, to provide operational instructions for operation of the fertilization device.

[0009] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the system comprising: a providing unit configured to provide field data of the field; a further providing unit configured to provide first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; and a further providing unit configured to provide second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a means for reducing nitrogen loss; and a further providing unit configured to provide fertilizer rate data of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field based on the provided field data; a further providing unit configured to provide an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilization rate data of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; a further providing unit configured to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product using an emissions calculation model; a further providing unit configured to provide a differential CO2 equivalent value between the application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the CO2 equivalent data; a further providing unit configured to provide a predetermined CO2 equivalent savings value; and a further providing unit configured to provide control data for a fertilization device to apply the first fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2 equivalent value is greater than or equal to the CO2 equivalent saving value, and to provide control data for a fertilization device to apply the second fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2 equivalent value is less than the CO2 equivalent saving value.

[0010] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, the apparatus comprising one or more computing nodes, the apparatus, when executed by the one or more computing nodes, causing the apparatus to: providing field data for the field; providing first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a measure for reducing nitrogen loss; and providing fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the provided field data, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field; providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; utilizing an emissions calculation model to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; providing a differential CO2 equivalent between application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the CO2 equivalent data; providing a specified CO2 equivalent savings; and and one or more computer-readable media having stored thereon computer-executable instructions configured to cause the system to perform the steps of: providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a first fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2 equivalent value is greater than or equal to the CO2 equivalent savings value; and providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a second fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2 equivalent value is less than the CO2 equivalent savings value.

[0011] Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of field data, fertilizer product data, fertilizer rate data, and / or emissions calculation models in a computer-implemented method for providing control data for a fertilization device as described herein and / or a system / apparatus for providing control data for a fertilization device as described herein.

[0012] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program element having instructions configured, when executed on a computing device of a computing environment, to perform steps of a computer-implemented method for providing control data for a fertilization device as described in the present disclosure in a system / apparatus for providing control data for a fertilization device as described in the present disclosure.

[0013] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, the method comprising: providing field data for the field; providing first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a measure for reducing nitrogen loss; and providing fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the provided field data, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field; providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; utilizing an emissions calculation model to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product.

[0014] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, the system comprising: a providing unit configured to provide field data of the field; a further providing unit configured to provide first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; and a further providing unit configured to provide second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a means for reducing nitrogen loss; and a further providing unit configured to provide, based on the provided field data, fertilizer rate data of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field; a further providing unit configured to provide an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilization rate data of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; and a further providing unit configured to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product using the emissions calculation model.

[0015] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for providing CO2 equivalents data for a fertilizer product for a field, the apparatus comprising one or more computing nodes, the apparatus, when executed by the one or more computing nodes, causing the apparatus to: providing field data for the field; providing first fertilizer product data, the first fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss; providing second fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a measure for reducing nitrogen loss; and providing fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the provided field data, the fertilizer rate data including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field; providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product; and one or more computer-readable media having stored thereon computer-executable instructions configured to cause the system to perform the steps of: utilizing an emissions calculation model to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product.

[0016] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program element having instructions configured, when executed on a computing device of a computing environment, to perform steps of a computer-implemented method for providing CO2-equivalent data for fertilizer products for a field as described in the present disclosure in a system / apparatus for providing CO2-equivalent data for fertilizer products for a field as described in the present disclosure.

[0017] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, the method comprising: providing field data for the field; providing fertilizer product data, the fertilizer product data relating to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a measure for reducing nitrogen loss; providing fertilizer product application rate data based on the provided field data, the application rate including a fertilizer product application rate for applying the fertilizer product to the field; applying a fertilizer product to the field based on the fertilizer rate data; providing an emissions calculation model configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the fertilizer product based on fertilizer product data and fertilizer application rate data for the fertilizer product; Providing CO2 equivalent data for fertilizer products using an emissions calculation model; and Optionally, providing the CO2 equivalent data to a Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system.

[0018] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of CO2-equivalent data provided by a computer-implemented method for providing CO2-equivalent data regarding fertilizer product for a field in a management system for producing fertilizer product.

[0019] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of CO2-equivalent data provided by the computer-implemented method for providing CO2-equivalent data in a measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system.

[0020] The embodiments described herein relate to the methods, systems, apparatus, fertilization devices, and computer program elements outlined above, and vice versa. As an advantageous feature, the benefits provided by any of the embodiments and examples apply equally to all other embodiments and examples, and vice versa.

[0021] As used herein, "determining" also includes "estimating," "calculating," and "initiating or causing a determination," "generating" also includes "initiating or causing a generation," and "providing" also includes "initiating or causing a determination, generation, selection, transmission, query, or reception."

[0022] The methods, devices, systems, fertilization devices, apparatus, and computer program elements disclosed herein provide an objective means of assessing whether a field should be fertilized with fertilizer, including a means for reducing nitrogen loss.

[0023] Additionally, the present disclosure may provide CO2 equivalent data for fertilizing a field with fertilizer with or without a means to reduce nitrogen loss, which may help a farmer determine whether or not it is justified to fertilize a field with a fertilizer product that includes a means to reduce nitrogen loss.

[0024] Additionally, the present disclosure may provide CO2 equivalent data for fertilizers that include means for reducing nitrogen loss that have been applied to a field, which may help farmers determine whether future fertilization of a field with a fertilizer product that includes means for reducing nitrogen loss is warranted.

[0025] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an objective means of assessing whether a field should be fertilized with a fertilizer that includes a means for reducing nitrogen loss. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide CO2 equivalent data for fertilizing a field with a fertilizer with or without a means for reducing nitrogen loss.

[0026] These and other objects that will become apparent on reading the following description are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0027] The term "field" as used herein should be understood broadly and refers to any area of ​​soil, i.e., surface and subsurface, to be treated with a fertilizer product. A field can be any plant or crop growing area, such as a farm, greenhouse, etc. The plants can be crops, weeds, volunteer plants, crops from a previous growing season, useful plants, or any other plants present in the field. A field can be identified through field data that references its geographic location or georeferenced position data. Reference coordinates, size, and / or shape can be used to further identify the field. The field data can be used to calculate fertilizer application rates / amounts for the field. The field data can further be used to specify in which climate region the field is located. The field data can also be used to provide weather data, such as historical, actual, and / or forecast weather data, particularly the geographic location of the field. In particular, the field data may be further used to provide soil parameter data, topographical data, and any further data that may be used to fine-tune the emissions calculation model.

[0028] The term control data as used herein should be understood broadly and refers to any data configured to operate and control the fertilization device. The control data may be provided by a control unit and configured to control one or more technical means of the fertilization device, such as, but not limited to, a drive controller.

[0029] The term "fertilization device" as used herein should be understood broadly and refers to any device configured to apply fertilization to soil in a field. The fertilization device may be configured to traverse the field. The fertilization device may be a ground or airborne vehicle, such as a tractor, a tracked vehicle, a robot, an airplane, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a drone, etc. The fertilization device may be an autonomous or non-autonomous fertilization device.

[0030] The term "fertilizer application system" used in this specification should be understood in a broad sense in this case and refers to any holder or mount of a fertilizer application means, and the fertilizer application system is directly attached, coupled, or disposed on a fertilizer application device. Exemplarily, the fertilizer application system can be, but is not limited to, a sprayer boom, a fertilizer applicator boom, etc. At least one, particularly a plurality of fertilizer application means are disposed on the fertilizer application system.

[0031] The term "fertilizer product" as used herein should be understood broadly and include any solid or liquid fertilizer product and combinations thereof. The term "fertilizer / fertilization" as used herein should be understood broadly and refer to any action of spreading, placing, or introducing a fertilizer / fertilization product into a soil area of ​​a field. Fertilizer is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soil or plant tissue to provide plant nutrients.

[0032] Fertilizer products include urea, NO 3- , NH4 + -ions, NH3, and / or organic N, or may release NH4 into the soil by decomposition, e.g., hydrolysis. + The term fertilizer may be understood as an organic and / or chemical compound that is applied to promote plant and fruit growth. Fertilizers are typically applied either through the soil (for uptake by plant roots), through soil substituents (also for uptake by plant roots), or foliar feeding (for uptake by leaves). The term also includes mixtures of one or more different types of fertilizers, as described below.

[0033] The term fertilizer can be subdivided into several categories, including a) organic fertilizers (composed of decaying plant / animal matter), b) inorganic fertilizers (composed of chemicals and minerals), and c) urea-containing fertilizers. Organic fertilizers can include manure, such as liquid manure, semi-liquid manure, biogas manure, stabilized or straw manure, slurry, worm castings, peat, seaweed, compost, sewage, and guano. Green manure crops are also grown periodically to add nutrients (especially nitrogen) to the soil. Manufactured organic fertilizers include, for example, compost, blood meal, bone meal, and seaweed extract. Further examples are enzyme-digested protein, fish meal, and feather meal. Decomposing crop residues from the previous year are another source of fertility. In addition, natural minerals such as rock phosphate, sulfate of potash, and limestone are also considered inorganic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers are typically produced by chemical processes (e.g., N from Haber-Bosch, etc.) while also using naturally occurring deposits, but chemically altering them (e.g., concentrated triple superphosphate). Naturally occurring inorganic fertilizers include Chilean sodium nitrate, phosphate mines, limestone, and raw potash fertilizers. In certain embodiments, inorganic fertilizers can be "NPK fertilizers," "NP fertilizers," and "NK fertilizers." NPK fertilizers are inorganic fertilizers formulated with appropriate concentrations and combinations of three macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), and typically S, Mg, Ca, and trace elements. NP fertilizers are inorganic fertilizers formulated with appropriate concentrations and combinations of two macronutrients: nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and typically S, Mg, Ca, and trace elements. NK fertilizers are inorganic fertilizers formulated in appropriate concentrations and combinations containing two major nutrients, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), and typically S, Mg, Ca, and trace elements. Other inorganic fertilizers may include ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or ammonium phosphate. In certain embodiments, urea-containing fertilizers may be urea, formaldehyde urea, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution, urea sulfur, stabilized urea, urea-based NPK fertilizer, or urea ammonium sulfate. The use of urea as a fertilizer is also contemplated.When urea-containing fertilizer or urea is used or provided, it is particularly preferred that a urease inhibitor as defined herein above can be added or additionally present, or used simultaneously or in conjunction with the urea-containing fertilizer.Urea-containing fertilizer is hydrolyzed by microorganisms, thereby releasing ammonia and then forming ammonium ions.Therefore, urea-containing fertilizer can be considered a storage form of ammonium.

[0034] The fertilizer may be selected from solid or liquid ammonium- and / or nitrate-containing inorganic fertilizers, such as NPK, NP, and NK fertilizers, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, or ammonium phosphate; solid or liquid organic fertilizers, such as liquid fertilizers, semi-liquid fertilizers, stabilized fertilizers, biogas fertilizers, and straw fertilizers, worm castings, compost, seaweed, or guano; or urea, formaldehyde urea, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution, urea sulfur, stabilized urea, urea-based NPK, NP, and NK fertilizers, urea ammonium sulfate, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fertilizer contains NH ions, and more preferably, the fertilizer is selected from solid or liquid ammonium-containing inorganic fertilizers. The fertilizer may be provided in any suitable form, such as powder, crystals, solid coated or uncoated droplets or granules, liquid or semi-liquid form, or sprayable fertilizer. The fertilizer may be applied in fertilization applications and methods via fertilization.

[0035] A wide range of materials can be used for coated fertilizers. Coatings can be applied, for example, to granular or fine-grained nitrogen (N) fertilizers or multi-nutrient fertilizers. Typically, urea is used as the base material for most coated fertilizers. Alternatively, ammonium, nitrate, or NPK, NP, and NK fertilizers are used as the base material for coated fertilizers. However, the present disclosure also contemplates the use of other base materials for coated fertilizers, including any one of the fertilizer materials defined herein. In certain embodiments, elemental sulfur can be used as the fertilizer coating. The coating can be performed by spraying molten S onto solid urea granules, followed by application of a sealant wax to seal cracks in the coating. In further embodiments, the S layer can be covered with a layer of organic polymer, preferably a thin layer of organic polymer. Further contemplated coated fertilizers can be provided by reacting a resin-based polymer on the surface of the fertilizer granules. A further example of providing a coated fertilizer includes the use of a low-permeability polyethylene polymer in combination with a high-permeability coating. In certain embodiments, the composition and / or thickness of the fertilizer coating can be tailored to, for example, control the nutrient release rate for a particular fertilization application. The duration of nutrient release from a particular fertilizer can vary, for example, from weeks to months. The presence of a nitrogen inhibitor, e.g., a nitrification inhibitor, in the mixture with the coated fertilizer can be tailored accordingly. In particular, it is contemplated that nutrient release is accompanied or accompanied by the release of a nitrogen inhibitor, e.g., a nitrification inhibitor, according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Coated fertilizers can be provided as controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). In certain embodiments, these controlled-release fertilizers are fully coated urea or NPK, NP, and NK fertilizers, which are homogeneous and typically exhibit a predetermined release lifespan. In further embodiments, CRFs can be provided as blended controlled-release fertilizer products that may contain coated, uncoated, and / or sustained-release components. In certain embodiments, these coated fertilizers can further include micronutrients. In certain embodiments, these fertilizers can exhibit a predefined lifespan, for example, in the case of NPK, NP, and NK fertilizers. Further contemplated examples of CRFs include patterned-release fertilizers. These fertilizers typically exhibit a predetermined (e.g., high / standard / low) release pattern and a predetermined lifespan. In exemplary embodiments, fully coated NPK, NP, and NK Mg and micronutrients can be delivered in a patterned-release manner. Coated fertilizers based on a dual-coating approach or programmed release are also contemplated.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the fertilizer mixture may be provided as, or may comprise, or contain, a slow-release fertilizer (SRF). The fertilizer may be released, for example, over any suitable period of time, for example, 1 to 5 months, preferably up to 3 months. Typical examples of components of slow-release fertilizers include, for example, IBDU (isobutylidenediurea) containing about 31-32% nitrogen, of which 90% is water-insoluble; or UF, i.e., a urea-formaldehyde product containing about 38% nitrogen, of which about 70% may be provided as water-insoluble nitrogen; or CDU (crotonylidenediurea) containing about 32% nitrogen; or MU (methyleneurea) containing about 38-40% nitrogen, of which 25-60% is typically cold-water insoluble nitrogen; or MU (methyleneurea) containing about 40% nitrogen, of which less than 25% is water-insoluble nitrogen. Examples of suitable fertilizers include MDU (methylenediurea), which contains approximately 30% nitrogen and is typically used in solution; MO (methylolurea), which contains approximately 30% nitrogen and is typically used in solution; DMTU (diimethylenetriurea), which contains approximately 40% nitrogen, of which less than 25% is cold-water insoluble; TMTU (trimethylenetetraurea), which may be provided as a component of UF products; TMPU (trimethylenepentaurea), which may also be provided as a component of UF products; and UT (urea triazone solution), which typically contains approximately 28% nitrogen. The fertilizer mixture may also be a long-term nitrogen-containing fertilizer containing a mixture of acetylenediurea and at least one other organic nitrogen-containing fertilizer selected from methyleneurea, isobutylidenediurea, crotonylidenediurea, substituted triazones, triuret, or a mixture thereof.

[0038] Any of the fertilizers or fertilizer forms described above may be suitably combined. For example, slow-release fertilizers may be provided as coated fertilizers. They may also be combined with other fertilizers or fertilizer types. The same applies to the presence of nitrogen inhibitors, e.g., nitrification inhibitors, according to the present disclosure, which may be adapted to the form and chemistry of the fertilizer and thus provided so that their release accompanies the release of the fertilizer, e.g., released simultaneously or at the same frequency. The present disclosure further contemplates fertilizers or fertilizer forms defined herein in combination with nitrification inhibitors defined herein, further in combination with urease inhibitors defined herein, and / or in combination with denitrification inhibitors and / or mineralization inhibitors. Such combinations may be provided in coated or uncoated form, and / or in slow- or rapid-release form. Combinations with slow-release fertilizers containing coatings are preferred. In further embodiments, different release modes, e.g., slower or faster release, are also contemplated.

[0039] The term fertilizer / fertilization, as used herein, refers to the application of fertilizer, optionally soil amendments, and optionally other water-soluble products, together with water, through an irrigation system to the location where a plant is growing or intended to grow, or to a soil substitute, as defined herein below. For example, liquid or dissolved fertilizers can be provided directly to the plant or the location where the plant is growing or intended to grow via fertilization. Similarly, nitrogen inhibitors, such as nitrification inhibitors, can be provided to the plant or the location where the plant is growing or intended to grow via fertilization according to the present disclosure or in combination with additional nitrogen inhibitors. The fertilizer and nitrogen inhibitor according to the present disclosure, or in combination with additional nitrogen inhibitors, can be provided together, for example, dissolved in the same input or load of irrigated material (typically water). In further embodiments, the fertilizer and nitrogen inhibitor can be provided at different times. For example, the fertilizer can be applied first, followed by the nitrogen inhibitor, or preferably, the nitrogen inhibitor can be applied first, followed by the fertilizer. The time intervals for these activities follow the time intervals for application of fertilizers and nitrogen inhibitors outlined herein. It is also contemplated that fertilizers and nitrogen inhibitors according to the present disclosure may be applied together or intermittently, for example, every 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or more.

[0040] The term "nitrogen inhibitors" as used herein should be understood broadly and may include any chemicals, such as nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, denitrification inhibitors, and / or mineralization inhibitors, that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to nitrogen loss after nitrogen fertilization in fields. They improve nitrogen use efficiency by reducing nitrogen loss in the form of ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrate. Nitrification inhibitors delay the natural conversion of ammonium to nitrate by inhibiting the activity of certain bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas spp., for a certain period of time. The term "nitrification" as used herein should be understood as the biological oxidation of ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) with oxygen to nitrite (NO2-), followed by the oxidation of these nitrites to nitrate (NO3-). In addition to nitrate (NO3), nitrous oxide (NO) is also produced by nitrification. Nitrification is a key step in the nitrogen cycle in soil. Therefore, inhibition of nitrification may also reduce N2O and / or NO3 losses.

[0041] The first fertilizer product may include a nitrification inhibitor. Examples of nitrification inhibitors include linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, methyl p-coumarate, methyl ferulate, methyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (MHPP), karanjin, brachialactone, p-benzoquinone sorgoleone, 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)-pyridine (nitrapyrin or N-serve), dicyandiamide (DCD, DIDIN), 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP, ENTEC), 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole hydrochloride (ATC), 1-amido-2-thiourea (ASU), 2- Amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine (AM), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 5-ethoxy-3-trichloro-1,2,4-thiodiazole (Telazol, Etridiazole), 2-sulfanilamidothiozole (ST), ammonium thiosulfate (ATU), 3-methylpyrazole (3-MP), 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (DMP), 1,2,4-triazolethiourea (TU), N-(1H-pyrazolyl)-methyl)acetamide, for example, N-((3(5)-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)acetamide N-(3(5)-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)acetamide, and N-(1H-pyrazolylmethyl)formamide, for example, N-((3(5)-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)formamide, N-((4-chloro-3(5)-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)formamide, N-(3(5),4-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)formamide, neem, products based on neem ingredients, cyanamide, melamine, zeolite powder, catechol, benzoquinone, sodium tetraborate, zinc sulfate, 2-(3,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)formamide, yl)succinic acid, 3,4-dimethylpyrazolium glycolate acid, 3,4-dimethylpyrazolium mandelic acid, 1,2,4-triazole, 4-chloro-3-methylpyrazole, dicyandiamide, reaction products of urea and formaldehyde, or triazonylformaldehyde dicyandiamide adduct, 2-cyano-1-((4-oxo-1,3,5-triazinan-1-yl)methyl)guanidine, ((2-cyanoguanidino)methyl)urea, 2-cyano-1-((2-cyanoguanidino)methyl)guanidine, 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole hydrochloride (ATC), allylthiourea, chlorate, 1,2,3-triazole and its derivatives, 5-amino-1,2,4-thiadiazole, heterocyclic compounds, methyl cinnamate, 1,9-decanediol, and combinations thereof.

[0042] The first fertilizer product may include a biological product (a so-called biostimulant) to increase the effectiveness of nutrient / nitrogen utilization. Examples of biostimulants include seaweed extracts (e.g., ascophyllum nodosum), bacterial extracts (e.g., extracts of one or more diazotrophic strains, phosphate-solubilized microorganisms, and / or biopesticides), fungal extracts, humic acids (e.g., potassium humate), fulvic acid, myo-inositol, glycine, lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCO), chitooligosaccharides (CO), chitinous compounds, flavonoids, jasmonic acid or derivatives thereof (e.g., jasmonates), cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, ethylene, brassinosteroids, salicylates, macronutrients and micronutrients, linoleic acid or derivatives thereof, linolenic acid or derivatives thereof, karrikins, and / or beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhizobium spp., spp.), Sinorhizobium spp., Glomus spp., Gigaspora spp., Hymenoscyphous spp., Pisolithus spp., Rhizopogon spp., Scleroderma spp., Arthrobacter spp., Arthrobotrys spp., Aspergillus spp., Burkholderia spp., Candida spp., Chryseomonas spp. spp.), Enterobacter spp., Exiguobacterium spp., Klebsiella spp., Kluyvera spp., Paecilomyces spp., Paenibacillus spp., Penicillium spp.), Pseudomonas spp. (Stenotrophomonas spp.), Streptomyces spp., Streptosporangium spp., Torulospora spp., Vibrio spp., Xanthobacter spp., Xanthomonas spp., and any combination thereof.

[0043] The first fertilizer product may contain a urease inhibitor. Examples of urease inhibitors include N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT, Agrotain), N-(n-propyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NPPT), 2-nitrophenylphosphoric triamide (2-NPT), additional NXPTs known to those skilled in the art, phenyl phosphorodiamidates (PPD / PPDA), hydroquinone, ammonium thiosulfate, neem, mixtures of NBPT and Duromid (Ambol), and mixtures of NBPT and NPPT (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,659). Such mixtures of NBPT and NPPT may contain NBPT in an amount of 40 to 95% by weight, preferably 60 to 80% by weight, based on the total amount of active substance. Such a mixture is commercially available as LIMUS, which is a composition containing about 16.9% by weight of NBPT, about 5.6% by weight of NPPT, and about 77.5% by weight of other ingredients, including solvents and adjuvants.

[0044] Examples of denitrification inhibitors are pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, enestrobulin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, metominostrobin, oryzastrobin, picoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin, pyrametostrobin, pyroxystrobin, cumoxystrobin, cumoxystrobin, fenaminostrobin (=diclofenoxystrobin), flufenoxystrobin, 2-(2-(6-(3-chloro-2-methyl-phenoxy)-5-fluoro-pyrimidine-4- 2-(2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-allylideneaminooxymethyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide, 3-methoxy-2-(2-(N-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-cyclopropane-carboximidoylsulfanylmethyl)-phenyl)-acrylic acid methyl ester, methyl (2-chloro-5-[1-(3-methylbenzyloxyimino)ethyl]benzyl)carbamate and 2-(2-(3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-methyl-allylideneaminooxymethyl)-phenyl)-2-methoxyimino-N-methyl-acetamide.

[0045] The (relative) global warming potential (GWP) or CO2-equivalent of a chemical compound is a measure of its relative contribution to the greenhouse effect, i.e., its average warming effect on the Earth's atmosphere over a certain period of time (usually 100 years). It therefore indicates how much a given mass of greenhouse gas contributes to global warming compared to the same mass of CO2.

[0046] The term "providing" as used herein should be understood broadly and includes, but is not limited to, providing, receiving, querying, measuring, calculating, determining, and transmitting data. Data may be provided by a user via a user interface, depicted / shown to a user by a display, and / or received from, queried by, measured by, calculated by, determined by, and / or transmitted by other devices.

[0047] The term "data" as used herein should be understood broadly and refers to any type of data, which may be, but is not limited to, a single number / value, multiple numbers / values, multiple numbers / values ​​arranged in a list, a two-dimensional map, or a three-dimensional map.

[0048] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the means for reducing nitrogen loss is provided by nitrogen inhibitors, biological products that increase the effectiveness of nitrogen utilization, slow release fertilizers, and / or controlled release fertilizers.

[0049] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the first and / or second fertilizer product is an NPK, NP, and NK fertilizer, an ammonium nitrate fertilizer, a calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer, an ammonium sulfate fertilizer, an ammonium phosphate fertilizer, a formaldehyde urea fertilizer, a urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution fertilizer, a urea sulfur fertilizer, a slow release fertilizer, and / or a controlled slow release fertilizer.

[0050] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the nitrogen inhibitor is a urease inhibitor, or a nitrification inhibitor, or a denitrification inhibitor, or a mineralization inhibitor, or a combination thereof.

[0051] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the nitrification inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, methyl p-coumarate, methyl ferulate, methyl 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (MHPP), karanjin, brachialactone, p-benzoquinone sorgoleone, 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)pyridine (nitrapyrin or N-serve), dicyandiamide (DCD, DIDIN), 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP, ENTEC), 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole hydrochloride (ATC), 1-amido-2-thiourea (ASU), 2-amino-4-chloro-6-methylpyrimidine (AM), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 5-ethoxy-3-trichloromethyl -1,2,4-thiodiazoles (telazol, etridiazole), 2-sulfanilamide thiozole (ST), ammonium thiosulfate (ATU), 3-methylpyrazole (3-MP), 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (DMP), 1,2,4-triazole thiourea (TU), N-(1H-pyrazolylmethyl)acetamides such as N-(3(5)-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methylacetamide, and N-(3(5)-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methylacetamide. )-methyl-1H-N-((3(5)-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)formamide, N-(4-chloro-3(5)-methyl-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)formamide, N-(3(5),4-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)formamide, neem, neem ingredient-based products, cyanamide, melamine, zeolite powder, catechol, benzoquinone, sodium tartar, zinc sulfate, and a) 2-(2,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)succinic acid and / or 3-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)succinic acid, and / or derivatives thereof, and / or salts thereof, b) glycolic acid addition salts of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole (3,4-dimethylpyrazolium glycolate), and / or its isomers and / or derivatives thereof; c) citric acid addition salts of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole (3,4-dimethylpyrazolium citrate), and / or its isomers, and / or its derivatives, d) lactic acid addition salts of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole (3,4-dimethylpyrazolium lactate), and / or its isomers, and / or its derivatives, e) mandelic acid addition salts of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole (3,4-dimethylpyrazolium mandelate), and / or its isomers, and / or its derivatives; f) 1,2,4-triazole, and / or its derivatives, and / or salts thereof; g) 4-chloro-3-methylpyrazole, and / or its isomers, and / or its derivatives, and / or its salts, h) reaction adduct of dicyandiamide, urea and formaldehyde (Centro), or triazonyl-formaldehyde-dicyandiamide adduct; i) 2-cyano-1-((4-oxo-1,3,5-triazinan-1-yl)methyl)guanidine, j) 1-((2,3-cyanoguanidino)methyl)urea, k) 2-cyano-1-((2-cyanoguanidino)methyl)guanidine, l) allylthiourea, and / or m) chlorate.

[0052] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the urease inhibitor is selected from N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT, Agrotain), a reaction adduct of NBPT, urea, and formaldehyde (Dulomid), a mixture of NBPT and Duromid (Ambol), N-(n-propyl)thiophosphonic triamide (NPPT), 2-nitrophenylphosphoric triamide (2-NPT), phenylphosphorodiamidate (PPD / PPDA), hydroquinone, ammonium thiosulfate, neem, and a mixture of NBPT and NPPT.

[0053] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the fertilizer rate data includes an application amount of the fertilizer product as units of weight provided to treat the field with the fertilizer product. In this regard, the field data can be used to total a fertilizer rate to derive an amount of fertilizer product used to fertilize the field. In one example, the fertilizer rate is provided as units of weight per unit of area, and the total fertilizer amount can be received by multiplying the fertilizer rate by the area of ​​the field.

[0054] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the application rate of the first fertilizer product is lower than the application rate of the second fertilizer product based on a reduction in nitrogen loss by the means for reducing nitrogen loss.

[0055] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the emissions calculation model is configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value based on a nitrogen content in the fertilizer product and an application rate of the fertilizer product.

[0056] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, the emissions calculation model is configured to calculate direct N2O emissions, indirect N3O ​​emissions due to NO3 leaching / loss, and / or indirect N2O emissions due to NH2O losses attributable to applied nitrogen rates for fertilizer with and without nitrogen inhibitors.

[0057] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the emissions calculation model is configured to calculate direct N2O emissions of a first fertilizer product based on an N2O (emissions) reduction factor compared to N2O emissions of a second fertilizer product.

[0058] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, for liquid or solid fertilizer, or a combination thereof, different N2O reduction factors are provided.

[0059] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field for different climate conditions and / or different weather conditions and / or different soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management factors, different N2O reduction factors are not provided.

[0060] If different NO reduction factors are provided for different climatic conditions, information on the climatic region in which the field is located can be provided to the calculation model, for example, by field data. In one example, a respective climatic map can be provided. If different NO reduction factors are provided for different weather conditions, the respective weather data can also be provided to the calculation model.

[0061] If different NO reduction factors are provided for different soil conditions / parameters, the respective soil data may also be provided to the calculation model. Weather data and / or soil data may also be derived from field data for the target field. If different NO reduction factors are provided for different farm management factors, the respective farm management data may also be provided to the calculation model.

[0062] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the emissions calculation model is configured to calculate indirect N2O emissions due to NO3 leaching of a first fertilizer product based on a NO3 (emissions) reduction factor compared to NO3 emissions of a second fertilizer product.

[0063] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, for a liquid or solid fertilizer, or a combination thereof, different NO3 reduction factors are provided.

[0064] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field for different climate conditions and / or different weather conditions and / or soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management factors, different NO3 reduction factors are not provided. If different NO3 reduction factors are provided for different climate conditions, information about the climate region in which the field is located can be provided to the calculation model, for example, via field data. In one example, a respective climate map can be provided. If different NO3 reduction factors are provided for different weather conditions, respective weather data can also be provided to the calculation model. If different NO3 reduction factors are provided for different soil conditions / parameters, respective soil data can also be provided to the calculation model. Weather data and / or soil data can also be derived from the field data of the target field. If different NO3 reduction factors are provided for different farm management factors, respective farm management data can also be provided to the calculation model.

[0065] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the emissions calculation model is configured to calculate indirect N2O emissions due to NH3 losses caused by a nitrification inhibitor based on an NH3 increase factor compared to NH3 emissions of a second fertilizer product.

[0066] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, different NH3 increase factors are provided for organic fertilizers, such as urea, ammonium-based, nitrate-based, and / or nitrate-based fertilizer products and manure.

[0067] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field for different climate conditions and / or different weather conditions and / or soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management factors, different NH3 augmentation factors are provided. When different NH3 augmentation factors are provided for different climate conditions, information on the climate region in which the field is located can be provided to the calculation model, for example, by field data. In one example, a respective climate map can be provided. When different NH3 augmentation factors are provided for different weather conditions, respective weather data can also be provided to the calculation model. When different NH3 augmentation factors are provided for different soil conditions / parameters, respective soil data can also be provided to the calculation model. Weather data and / or soil data can also be derived from field data of the target field. When different NH3 augmentation factors are provided for different farm management factors, respective farm management data can also be provided to the calculation model.

[0068] In one embodiment of the method for providing control data for a fertilization device to apply a fertilizer product to a field and / or the method for providing CO2 equivalent data related to a fertilizer product for a field, the emissions calculation model is configured to calculate indirect N2O emissions due to reduced NH3 losses caused by the urease inhibitor based on an NH3 reduction factor compared to NH3 emissions of a second fertilizer product.

[0069] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2 equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field, different NH3 reduction factors are provided for urea, ammonium-based, nitrate-based, and / or nitrate-based fertilizer products.

[0070] In one embodiment of a method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device for applying a fertilizer product to a field and / or a method for providing CO2-equivalent data for a fertilizer product for a field for different climate conditions and / or soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management factors, different NH3 reduction factors are provided. When different NH3 reduction factors are provided for different climate conditions, information on the climate region in which the field is located can be provided to the calculation model, for example, by field data. In one example, a respective climate map can be provided. When different NH3 reduction factors are provided for different weather conditions, respective weather data can also be provided to the calculation model. When different NH3 reduction factors are provided for different soil conditions / parameters, respective soil data can also be provided to the calculation model. Weather data and / or soil data can also be derived from field data of the target field. When different NH3 reduction factors are provided for different farm management factors, respective farm management data can also be provided to the calculation model.

[0071] In this disclosure, N2O emission reduction factors of nitrification inhibitors ranging from -31 to 44% (depending on different growing conditions) are applied, with an average N2O emission reduction factor of minus 38%.

[0072] In this disclosure, N2O emission reduction factors of urease inhibitors ranging from -3 to 39% (depending on different growing conditions) are applied, with an average N2O emission reduction factor of minus 25%.

[0073] In this disclosure, NO3 emission reduction coefficients of nitrification inhibitors ranging from -7 to 29% (depending on different growing conditions) are applied, with an average NO3 emission reduction coefficient of minus 18%.

[0074] In this disclosure, N2O emission factors for N leaching of 0-2% are applied, with an average of 1.1% applied.

[0075] In the present disclosure, the NH3 emission enhancement factor of nitrification inhibitors relative to urea of ​​+30 to +65% (depending on different growing conditions) is applied, where an average NH3 emission enhancement factor of 47% is applied.

[0076] In this disclosure, NH3 emission reduction factors of urease inhibitors for urea ranging from 0 to 94% (depending on different growing conditions) are applied, where an average of -70% is applied.

[0077] In particular, the reduction and increase factors described above depend, inter alia, on growing conditions. Furthermore, these factors may further depend on various other factors such as climate, weather, soil properties / density, etc. In one example, the factors described above are at least partially individualized for the field by test and test series.

[0078] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0079] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a centralized and decentralized computing environment having computing nodes. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a centralized and decentralized computing environment having computing nodes. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a distributed computing environment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of possible N loss reactions in soil. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the effect of nitrogen inhibitors. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C show exemplary different possibilities for receiving and processing field data; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0080] The following embodiments are merely examples for implementing the methods, systems, apparatus, and fertilization devices disclosed herein and should not be considered limiting.

[0081] 1-3 illustrate different computing environments: centralized, decentralized, and distributed. The methods, devices, and computer elements of the present disclosure can be implemented in a decentralized or at least partially decentralized computing environment. In particular, different issues exist in data sharing or exchange in a multi-player ecosystem. Data sovereignty can be seen as a core issue. Data sovereignty can be defined as the ability of natural persons or business entities to be entirely self-determined with respect to their data. To enable this particular ability, related aspects, including the requirement to exchange data securely and reliably in a business ecosystem, can be implemented throughout the chemical value chain. In particular, the chemical industry needs tailored solutions to deliver chemical products more sustainably by using digital ecosystems. Data provision, decision-making, or processing can be realized by different computing nodes, which can be implemented in centralized, decentralized, or distributed computing environments.

[0082] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a centralized computing system 20 including a central computing node 21 (a solid central circle) and several peripheral computing nodes 21.1-21.n (shown as peripheral solid circles). The term "computing system" is broadly defined herein to include one or more computing nodes, a system of nodes, or a combination thereof. The term "computing node" is broadly defined herein and may refer to any device or system that includes at least one physical, tangible processor and / or physical, tangible memory capable of having computer-executable instructions executed by the processor. Computing nodes now take increasingly diverse forms. Computing nodes may be, for example, handheld devices, production facilities, sensors, monitoring systems, control systems, home appliances, laptop computers, desktop computers, mainframes, data centers, or even devices not traditionally considered computing nodes, such as wearables (e.g., eyeglasses, watches, etc.). Memory may take any form, depending on the nature and form of the computing node.

[0083] In this example, the peripheral computing nodes 21.1-21.n may be connected to one central computing system (or server). In another example, the peripheral computing nodes 21.1-21.n may be attached to the central computing node, for example, via a terminal server (not shown). Most of the functionality may be performed by or obtained from the central computing node (also referred to as a remote centralized management location). One peripheral computing node 21.n is enlarged to provide an overall view of the components present at the peripheral computing nodes. The central computing node 21 may include the same components as described in connection with the peripheral computing node 21.n.

[0084] Each computing node 21, 21.1-21.n may include at least one hardware processor 22 and memory 24. The term "processor" may refer to any logic circuit configured to perform the basic operations of a computer or system and / or generally to a device configured to perform calculations or logical operations. In particular, a processor or computer processor may be configured to process the basic instructions that drive a computer or system. The processor may be a semiconductor-based processor, a quantum processor, or any other type of processor configured to process instructions. By way of example, the processor may include at least one arithmetic logic unit ("ALU"), at least one floating-point unit ("FPU") such as a numeric coprocessor or coprocessor, multiple registers, particularly registers configured to supply operands to the ALU and store operation results, and memory such as L1 and L2 cache memories. In particular, the processor may be a multi-core processor. Specifically, the processor may be or comprise a central processing unit ("CPU"). The processor may be a graphics processing unit ("GPU"), a tensor processing unit ("TPU"), a complex instruction set computing ("CISC") microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing ("RISC") microprocessor, a very long instruction word ("VLIW") microprocessor, a processor implementing other instruction sets, or a processor implementing a combination of instruction sets. The processing means may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices, such as an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), a complex programmable logic device ("CPLD"), a digital signal processor ("DSP"), a network processor, or the like. The methods, systems, and devices described herein may be implemented as software within a DSP, microcontroller, or any other side processor, or as hardware circuitry within an ASIC, CPLD, or FPGA.It should be understood that the term processor may also refer to one or more processing devices, such as a distributed system of processing devices located across multiple computer systems (e.g., cloud computing), and is not limited to a single device unless otherwise specified.

[0085] Memory 24 may refer to physical system memory, which may be volatile, nonvolatile, or a combination thereof. Memory may include nonvolatile mass storage devices such as physical storage media. Memory may be a computer-readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, non-magnetic disk storage such as solid-state disks, or any other physical, tangible storage medium that can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computing system. Furthermore, memory may be a computer-readable medium (also called a transmission medium) having computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures may be automatically transferred from a transmission medium to a storage medium (or vice versa) upon reaching various computing system components. For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link may be buffered in RAM in a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and eventually transferred to the computing system's RAM and / or a less volatile storage medium residing in the computing system. Thus, it should be understood that storage media may be included in computing components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

[0086] Computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n may include a number of structures 26, often referred to as "executable components, executable instructions, computer-executable instructions, or instructions." For example, memory 24 of computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n may be depicted as including executable components 26. The term "executable components" may refer to structures that may be software, hardware, or a combination thereof, or structures that are well understood by those skilled in the computing arts as being structures that may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, when implemented in software, those skilled in the art will understand that executable component structures include software objects, routines, methods, etc., that execute on computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n, regardless of whether such executable components reside within multiple computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n, or whether the executable components reside on computer-readable storage media. In such cases, those skilled in the art will recognize that the structure of the executable components resides on a computer-readable medium such that, when interpreted by one or more processors (e.g., by processor threads) of computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n, they cause the computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n to perform functions. Such structure may be directly computer-readable by a processor (as if the executable components were binary). Alternatively, the structure may be structured to be interpretable and / or compiled (whether in one or more stages) to generate binary that is directly interpretable by a processor. Such understanding of exemplary structures of executable components is well within the understanding of those skilled in the computing arts when the term "executable components" is used. Examples of executable components implemented in hardware include hard-coded or hard-wired logic gates implemented exclusively or substantially exclusively in hardware, such as in a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other dedicated circuitry.In this description, the terms "component," "agent," "manager," "service," "engine," "module," "virtual machine," etc. are used synonymously with the term "executable component."

[0087] The processor 22 of each computing node 21, 21.1-21.n may direct the operation of each computing node 21, 21.1-21.n in response to executing computer-executable instructions that constitute executable components. For example, such computer-executable instructions may be embodied on one or more computer-readable media forming a computer program product. The computer-executable instructions may be stored in the memory 24 of each computing node 21, 21.1-21.n. The computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed on the processor 21, cause a general-purpose computing node 21, 21.1-21.n, a special-purpose computing node 21, 21.1-21.n, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a particular function or group of functions. Alternatively or additionally, the computer-executable instructions may configure the computing node 21, 21.1-21.n to perform a particular function or group of functions. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries or even instructions that undergo some translation (e.g., compilation) before being executed directly by a processor, such as intermediate format instructions such as assembly language or even source code.

[0088] Each computing node 21, 21.1-21.n may include a communications channel 28, e.g., a network (shown in FIG. 1 as a solid line between the peripheral computing nodes and the central computing node), that enables each computing node 21.1-21.n to communicate with the central computing node 21. A "network" may be defined as one or more data links that enable the transmission of electronic data between computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided to a computing node 21, 21.1-21.n via a network or another communications connection (either wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless), the computing node 21, 21.1-21.n properly considers the connection to be a transmission medium. A transmission medium may be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and may include a network and / or data link that can be accessed by general-purpose or special-purpose computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n. Combinations of the above may also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0089] Computing nodes 21, 21.1-21.n may further include a user interface system 25 for interfacing with a user. User interface system 25 may include an output mechanism 25A and an input mechanism 25B. The principles described herein are not limited to the precise output mechanism 25A or input mechanism 25B, as such will depend on the nature of the device. However, output mechanism 25A may include, for example, a display, a speaker, a display, a tactile output, a hologram, etc. Examples of input mechanism 25B include, for example, a microphone, a touchscreen, a hologram, a camera, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointer input, any type of sensor, etc.

[0090] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a decentralized computing environment 30 having several computing nodes 21.1-21.n, depicted as solid circles. In contrast to the centralized computing environment 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, the computing nodes 21.1-21.n of the decentralized computing environment are not connected to, and therefore not under the control of, a central computing node 21. Instead, both hardware and software resources may be allocated to each individual computing node 21.1-21.n (local or remote computing system), and data may be distributed among the various computing nodes 21.1-21.n to perform tasks. Thus, in a decentralized system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. One computing node 21 is expanded to provide an overview of the components present within the computing node 21. In this example, the computing node 21 includes the same components as those described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a distributed computing environment 40. In this description, "distributed computing" may refer to any computing that utilizes multiple computing resources. Such use may be achieved through virtualization of physical computing resources. One example of distributed computing is cloud computing. "Cloud computing" may refer to a model that enables on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). When distributed, a cloud computing environment may be distributed internally within an organization and / or across multiple organizations. In this example, the distributed cloud computing environment 40 may include the following computing resources: mobile devices 42, applications 43, databases 44, data storage, and servers 46. The cloud computing environment 40 may be deployed as a public cloud 47, a private cloud 48, or a hybrid cloud 49. The private cloud 47 may be owned by the organization, and only members of the organization with appropriate access may use the private cloud 48, keeping the data in the private cloud at least confidential. In contrast, data stored in the public cloud 48 may be open to anyone via the Internet. A hybrid cloud 49 may be a combination of both a private cloud 47 and a public cloud 48, and may allow some of the data to be kept confidential, while other data may be public.

[0092] Figure 4 shows a schematic of possible N loss reactions in soil. Nitrogen (N)-containing fertilizers applied to fields by farmers contain different N forms: urea, ammonium, nitrate, organic N, and / or combinations thereof. All these N forms are converted to other N forms in the soil through different transformation processes (hydrolysis, mineralization, nitrification, nitrification). During these transformation processes, ammonia (NH), nitrous oxide (NO), NO, and nitrate are produced.x N losses in the form of ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate), elemental N (N2), and / or nitrate (NO3) can occur. In the red boxes, the IPCC average emission factors (2019) for these losses are mentioned. N2O is lost from the soil due to urea hydrolysis, ammonium nitrification, and nitrate denitrification, so-called direct N2O emissions. Similarly, the ammonia released from urea hydrolysis and the nitrate from the leaching process are still in the system and, when they re-enter the soil, can themselves be nitrified (in the case of ammonia) and denitrified (in the case of nitrate), which also results in N2O emissions. This type of N2O emission is called indirect N2O emissions.

[0093] Figure 5 shows the effect of nitrogen inhibitors in a simplified diagram. These losses can be significantly reduced by the application of fertilizer additives (nitrogen inhibitors, e.g., urease inhibitors and nitrification inhibitors) applied together with / on / in the fertilizer. In the green boxes, the average reduction coefficients (2021) of the FEE for these losses are mentioned.

[0094] Examples of emission calculation models are provided below. Example 1 compares a first fertilizer product with a second fertilizer product, where the first fertilizer product includes a nitrification inhibitor as a means for reducing nitrogen loss, and the second fertilizer product does not include a nitrification inhibitor as a means for reducing nitrogen loss. Example 2 compares a first fertilizer product with a second fertilizer product, where the first fertilizer product includes a urease inhibitor as a means for reducing nitrogen loss, and the second fertilizer product does not include a urease inhibitor as a means for reducing nitrogen loss. [Example]

[0095] Example 1: ·N amount: 100kg / ha N Fertilizer type: Urea (46% N w / w) Calculation of CO2 equivalent emissions from urea fertilizer with nitrification inhibitors (NI) - the first fertilizer product

[0096] 1.1. Direct N2O emissions NO emission factor: average 1% NO-N of applied N (range 0.1-2.9% depending on different soil and climate conditions, crops, and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) Nitrification inhibitors have an average N2O emission reduction factor of -38% (range: -31 to 44%, e.g., Akiyama et al. 2010). →N2O emission factor of NI: 1% * (100 - 38)% = 0.62% N2O-N of applied N →100 kg / ha N*0.62% = 0.62 kg / ha N2O-N*1.57 = 0.97 kg N2O*298 (conversion factor of N2O to CO2 equivalent, Myhre et al. 2013) = 290.0 kg / ha CO2 equivalent

[0097] 1.2.Indirect N2O emissions: 1.2.1. Indirect N2O emissions (due to nitrate leaching losses): NO3 emission factor: average 12% NO3 of applied N (range 0-24% depending on different climate conditions, e.g., IPCC 2019) NI NO3 emission reduction factor: average -18% (range -7 to 29% depending on different growing conditions, e.g., Quemada et al. 2013) → NO3 emission factor of NI: 12% * (100 - 18)% = 9.84% of applied N NO3-N N leaching NO emission factor: 1.1% NO-N of leached N (range 0-2% depending on different growing conditions, e.g., IPCC 2019) →100kg / ha N*9.84%=9.84kg / ha NO3-N*1.1%=0.108kg / ha N2O-N*1.57=0.17kg / ha N2O*298=50.6kg / ha CO2 equivalent

[0098] 1.2.2. Indirect N2O emissions (due to NH3 emissions): NH3 emission factor: average 15% NH3-N of applied N (range 0-43% depending on different soil and climate conditions and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) The NH3 emission increase factor of nitrification inhibitors relative to urea: average +47% (range +30–+65%, e.g., Wu et al. 2021). →NH3 emission factor of nitrification inhibitor for urea: 15*(100+47)% = 22.05% of applied N NH3-N N2O emission factor for NH3 emissions: average 1% N2O-N of emitted NH3-N (range 0-1.8% depending on different growing conditions) →100kg / ha N*22.05%=22.05kg / ha NH3-N*1%=0.22kg / ha N2O-N*1.57=0.35kg / ha N2O*298=103.2 kg / ha CO2 equivalent Total CO2-eq emissions: 290.0 + 50.6 + 103.2 = 443.8 kg / ha CO2-eq (when 100 kg / ha N is applied in the form of urea with nitrification inhibitors). Calculation of CO2 equivalent emissions for urea fertilizer without nitrification inhibitors - the second fertilizer product

[0099] 1.1. Direct N2O emissions: NO emission factor: average 1% NO-N of applied N (range 0.1-2.9% depending on different soil and climate conditions, crops, and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) → 100 kg / ha N*1% = 1 kg / ha N2O-N*1.57 = 1.57 kg N2O*298 (conversion factor of N2O to CO2 equivalent, Myhre et al. 2013) = 467.9 kg / ha CO2 equivalent

[0100] 1.2.Indirect N2O emissions: 1.2.1. Indirect N2O emissions (due to nitrate leaching losses): NO3 emission factor: average 12% NO3 of applied N (range 0-24% depending on different climate conditions, e.g., IPCC 2019) N leaching NO emission factor: 1.1% NO-N on average for leached N (range 0-2% depending on different growing conditions, e.g., IPCC 2019) →100kg / ha N*12%=12 kg / ha NO3-N*1.1%=0.13kg / ha N2O-N*1.57=20.72kg / ha N2O*298=61.8kg / ha CO2 equivalent

[0101] 1.2.2. Indirect N2O emissions (due to NH3 emissions): NH3 emission factor: average 15% NH3-N of applied N (range 0-43% depending on different soil and climate conditions and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) N2O emission factor for NH3 emissions: average 1% N2O-N of emitted NH3-N (range 0-1.8% depending on different growing conditions) →100kg / ha N*15%=15kg / ha NH3-N*1%=0.15kg / ha N2O-N*1.57=0.24kg / ha N2O*298=70.2kg / ha CO2 equivalent Total CO2-eq emissions: 467.9 + 61.8 + 70.2 = 600 kg / ha CO2-eq (when 100 kg / ha N is applied in the form of urea without nitrification inhibitors).

[0102] Total CO2 equivalent savings: Total CO2-eq emissions for 100 kg / ha N in the form of urea without nitrification inhibitors: 600.00 kg / ha CO2-eq minus Total CO2-eq emissions for 100 kg / ha N in the form of urea with nitrification inhibitors: 443.80 kg / ha CO2-eq =156.2 kg / ha CO2 equivalent savings (by using nitrification inhibitors)

[0103] Example 2: ·N amount: 100kg / ha N Fertilizer type: Urea (46% N w / w) Calculation of CO2 equivalent emissions of urea fertilizer with urease inhibitor (UI) - the first fertilizer product

[0104] 1.1. Direct N2O emissions: NO emission factor: average 1% NO-N of applied N (range 0.1-2.9% depending on different soil and climate conditions, crops, and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) N2O emission reduction factor of urease inhibitors: average -25% (range -3 to 39% depending on various growing conditions, e.g., Cowan et al. 2020) → N2O emission factor of urease inhibitor: 1% * (100 - 25)% = 0.75% N2O-N of applied N →100 kg / ha N*0.75% = 0.75 kg / ha N2O-N*1.57 = 1.18 kg N2O*298 (conversion factor of N2O to CO2 equivalent, Myhre et al. 2013) = 350.9 kg / ha CO2 equivalent

[0105] 1.2. Indirect N2O emissions (due to NH3 emissions): NH3 emission factor: average 15% NH3-N of applied N (range 0-43% depending on different soil and climate conditions and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) NH3 emission reduction factor of urease inhibitors relative to urea: average -70% (Bittman et al. 2014, range 0 to -94% depending on various growing conditions, e.g., Silva et al. 2017) → NH3 emission factor of UI for urea: 15*(100-70)% = 4.5% of applied N NH3-N N2O emission factor for NH3 emissions: average 1% N2O-N of emitted NH3-N (range 0-1.8% depending on different growing conditions) →100kg / ha N*4.5%=4.5kg / ha NH3-N*1% 0.045kg / ha N2O-N*1.57=0.07kg / ha N2O*298=21.1kg / ha CO2 conversion Total CO2-eq emissions: 350.9 + 21.1 = 372.0 kg / ha CO2-eq (when 100 kg / ha N is applied in the form of urea with urease inhibitor). Calculation of CO2 equivalent emissions of urea without urease inhibitors

[0106] 1.1. Direct N2O emissions: NO emission factor: average 1% NO-N of applied N (range 0.1-2.9% depending on different soil and climate conditions, crops, and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) → 100 kg / ha N*1% = 1 kg / ha N2O-N*1.57 = 1.57 kg N2O*298 (conversion factor of N2O to CO2 equivalent, Myhre et al. 2013) = 467.9 kg / ha CO2 equivalent

[0107] 1.2. Indirect N2O emissions (due to NH3 emissions): NH3 emission factor: average 15% NH3-N of applied N (range 0-43% depending on different soil and climate conditions and fertilizers, e.g., IPCC 2019) N2O emission factor for NH3 emissions: average 1% N2O-N of emitted NH3-N (range 0-1.8% depending on different growing conditions) →100kg / ha N*15%=15kg / ha NH3-N*1%=0.15kg / ha N2O-N*1.57=0.24kg / ha N2O*298=70.2kg / ha CO2 equivalent Total CO2-eq emissions: 467.9 + 70.2 = 538.10 kg / ha CO2-eq (when 100 kg / ha N is applied in the form of urea without urease inhibitors).

[0108] Total CO2 equivalent savings: CO2-equivalent emissions of 100 kg / ha N in the form of urea without urease inhibitor: 538.10 kg / ha CO2-equivalent minus CO2-equivalent emissions for 100 kg / ha N in the form of urea with urease inhibitor: 372.00 kg / ha CO2-equivalent = 166.1 kg / ha CO2 equivalent reduction (by using urease inhibitors)

[0109] 6 illustrates a computer-implemented method for providing control data for a fertilizer application device for applying a fertilizer product to a field. In a first step, field data for the field is provided. In a further step, first fertilizer product data is provided, the first fertilizer product data being associated with a nitrogen fertilizer product that includes a means for reducing nitrogen loss. In a next step, second fertilizer product data is provided, the second fertilizer product data being associated with a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include a means for reducing nitrogen loss. Subsequently, application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is provided, the application rate data including application rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field based on the provided field data. As a next step, an emissions calculation model is provided, the emissions calculation model being configured to calculate CO2 equivalents for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product. Then, CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is provided using the emissions calculation model, for example, as illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 above. Based on these CO2-equivalent data, a differential CO2-equivalent value between the application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product can be calculated based on the CO2-equivalent data, as also exemplified in Examples 1 and 2 above. The CO2-equivalent savings value can be provided, for example, by a farmer as a target value. Finally, based on the savings value, an objective decision can be made as to whether the first or second fertilizer product should be applied to a particular field, and therefore whether the use of measures to reduce nitrogen loss is objectively justified.

[0110] 7 shows a system 10 for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying a fertilizer product to a field. The system includes a providing unit 11 configured to provide field data for the field, a further providing unit 12 configured to provide first fertilizer product data related to a nitrogen fertilizer product including a means for reducing nitrogen loss, a further providing unit 13 configured to provide second fertilizer product data related to a nitrogen fertilizer product not including the means for reducing nitrogen loss, a further providing unit 14 configured to provide fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product including fertilizer rates for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field based on the field data, and a calculating unit configured to calculate a CO2 equivalent value for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data and the fertilizer rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product. a further providing unit 15 configured to provide an emission calculation model based on the calculated emission calculation model; a further providing unit 16 configured to provide CO2-equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product using the emission calculation model; a further providing unit 17 configured to provide a differential CO2-equivalent value between application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the CO2-equivalent data; a further providing unit 18 configured to provide a predetermined CO2-equivalent saving value; and a further providing unit 19 configured to provide control data for a fertilizer application device to apply the first fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2-equivalent value is equal to or greater than the CO2-equivalent saving value, and to provide control data for a fertilizer application device to apply the second fertilizer product to the field if the differential CO2-equivalent value is less than the CO2-equivalent saving value.

[0111] 8 exemplarily shows different possibilities for receiving and processing field data. For example, field data can be obtained as a so-called fertilizer application map by any kind of agricultural equipment 300 (e.g., tractor 300) by recording the fertilizer application rate during fertilization. Such agricultural equipment can also be equipped with sensors (e.g., optical sensors, cameras, infrared sensors, soil sensors, etc.) to provide, for example, a fertilizer / nitrogen distribution map. It is also possible that the yield (e.g., in the form of biomass) is recorded during harvesting by a harvesting vehicle 310. Furthermore, corresponding maps / data can be provided by a land-based and / or aerial drone 320 by taking images of the field or parts thereof. Finally, a georeferenced visual assessment 330 can also be performed, and this field data can also be processed. The field data collected in this manner may then be merged into computing device 340, where the data may be transmitted and calculated, for example, via any wireless link, cloud application 350, and / or work platform 360, and the field data may also be processed in whole or in part in cloud application 350 and / or work platform 360 (e.g., by cloud computing).

[0112] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program element configured to execute the steps of the above-described method. Thus, the computer program element may be stored on a computing unit of a computing device, which may also be part of an embodiment. The computing unit may be configured to execute or direct the execution of the steps of the above-described method. Furthermore, the computing unit may be configured to operate components of the above-described system. The computing unit may be configured to operate automatically and / or execute user instructions. The computing unit may include a data processor. The computer program may be loaded into the working memory of the data processor. Thus, the data processor may be equipped to implement a method according to one of the above-described embodiments. This exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure encompasses both a computer program that uses the present disclosure from the beginning and a computer program that transforms an existing program into a program that uses the present disclosure by means of an update. Furthermore, the computer program element may be capable of providing all steps necessary to perform the procedures of the above-described exemplary method embodiments. According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM, a USB stick, a downloadable executable file, or the like, is presented, the computer-readable medium storing the computer program element, which is described in the previous section. The computer program may be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, or may be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems, but the computer program may also be present on a network, such as the World Wide Web, and may be downloaded into the working memory of a data processor from such a network.According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a medium is provided that makes a computer program element available for download, the computer program element being arranged to perform a method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments as examples. However, those skilled in the art and those practicing the claimed invention will understand and implement other variations upon studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the claims. In particular, any steps specifically presented (see, for example, the method mentioned on page 6) may be performed in any order, i.e., the present invention is not limited to a particular order of these steps. Furthermore, it is not required that different steps be performed at a particular location or at one node of a distributed system, i.e., each of the steps may be performed at a different node using different equipment / data processing units.

[0114] In the claims and this description, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage in accordance with certain embodiments.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for providing control data for a fertilization device for applying fertilizer products to a field, To provide field data for the fields, To provide first fertilizer product data, wherein the first fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that includes means for reducing nitrogen loss, To provide second fertilizer product data, wherein the second fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include means for reducing nitrogen loss, Based on the field data provided, the application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is provided, including the application rate for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field. Based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data, and the application rate data for the first and second fertilizer products, the CO2 for the first and second fertilizer products is calculated. ２ To provide an emissions calculation model configured to calculate converted values, Using the aforementioned emission calculation model, CO2 emissions related to the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product are calculated. ２ To provide conversion data, The aforementioned CO ２ Based on the conversion data, the difference in CO2 between the application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is calculated. ２ To provide a conversion value, The specified CO ２ To provide a converted savings value, The difference CO ２ converted value is the aforementioned CO ２ when the converted value is not less than the converted CO2 reduction value, providing control data for a fertilization device for applying the first fertilizer product to the agricultural field, wherein the difference CO ２ converted value is the aforementioned CO ２ when the converted value is less than the converted CO2 reduction value, providing control data for a fertilization device for applying the second fertilizer product to the agricultural field; A computer implementation method, including

2. The computer-aided method according to claim 1, wherein the means for reducing nitrogen loss are provided by nitrogen inhibitors, biological products that increase the effectiveness of nitrogen utilization, sustained-release fertilizers, and / or controlled-release fertilizers.

3. The emission calculation model determines the amount of CO2 in the fertilizer product and the application rate. ２ A computer implementation method according to claim 1, configured to calculate a converted value.

4. The emissions calculation model directly N ２ O emissions, NO ３ Indirect N due to leaching / loss ２ O emissions, and / or NH caused by the amount of nitrogen applied to the fertilizer with and without nitrogen inhibitors. ３ Indirect loss N ２ A computer implementation method according to claim 1, configured to calculate O emissions.

5. The emission calculation model is based on the N of the second fertilizer product. ２ N compared to O emissions ２ Based on the O reduction coefficient, the direct N of the first fertilizer product ２ A computer implementation method according to claim 1, configured to calculate O emissions.

6. For different first fertilizer products, different N ２ The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein an O reduction coefficient is provided.

7. For different climatic and / or meteorological conditions and / or soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management coefficients, different N ２ The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein an O reduction coefficient is provided.

8. The emission calculation model determines that the NO of the second fertilizer product ３ NO emissions compared to NO ３ Based on the reduction factor, the NO of the first fertilizer product ３ Indirect N due to leaching ２ A computer implementation method according to claim 1, configured to calculate O emissions.

9. Different NO for different first fertilizer products ３ A reduction factor is provided, and / or different NO for different climatic and / or meteorological and / or soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management coefficients. ３ A computer implementation method according to claim 8, wherein a reduction factor is provided.

10. The emission calculation model is based on the second fertilizer product's NH ３ NH compared to emissions ３ Based on the reduction or increase coefficient, the NH caused by the nitrogen inhibitor ３ Indirect loss N ２ A computer implementation method according to claim 1, configured to calculate O emissions.

11. The computer implementation method according to claim 5, wherein different reduction and increase factors are provided for different fertilizer products and / or climatic conditions and / or weather conditions and / or soil conditions / parameters and / or farm management coefficients.

12. A fertilizer application device for applying a fertilizer product to a field, wherein the control data of the fertilizer application device is provided by the method described in claim 1.

13. An apparatus for providing control data for a fertilizer application device for applying fertilizer products to a field, comprising one or more computing nodes, and when executed by the one or more computing nodes, the apparatus provides: To provide field data for the fields, To provide first fertilizer product data, wherein the first fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that includes means for reducing nitrogen loss, To provide second fertilizer product data, wherein the second fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include means for reducing nitrogen loss, To provide fertilization rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product, including the fertilization rate for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field based on the field data, Based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data, and the application rate data for the first and second fertilizer products, the CO2 for the first and second fertilizer products is calculated. ２ To provide an emissions calculation model configured to calculate converted values, Using the aforementioned emission calculation model, CO2 emissions related to the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product are calculated. ２ To provide conversion data, The aforementioned CO ２ Based on the conversion data, the difference in CO2 between the application of the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is calculated. ２ To provide a conversion value, The specified CO ２ To provide a converted savings value, The aforementioned difference CO ２ The converted value is the CO ２ If the converted savings value is greater than or equal to the difference CO2, control data for the fertilization device for applying the first fertilizer product to the field is provided, and the difference CO2 ２ The converted value is the CO ２ If the converted savings value is less than the specified value, control data for the fertilization device for applying the second fertilizer product to the field is provided. One or more computer-readable media containing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the steps, A device equipped with the following features.

14. The use of field data, fertilizer product data, fertilizer application rate data, and / or an emissions calculation model in the computer implementation method according to claim 1 and / or the apparatus according to claim 13.

15. A computer program element having instructions configured to perform the steps of the computer implementation method described in claim 1 when executed on a computing device of a computing environment, in the apparatus described in claim 13.

16. A computer-based method for providing CO2 equivalent data for fertilizer products for field use, To provide field data for the fields, To provide first fertilizer product data, wherein the first fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that includes means for reducing nitrogen loss, To provide second fertilizer product data, wherein the second fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include means for reducing nitrogen loss, Based on the field data provided, the application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is provided, including the application rate for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field. The present invention provides an emissions calculation model configured to calculate CO2 equivalent values ​​for the first and second fertilizer products based on the first fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data, and the application rate data for the first and second fertilizer products. Using the emissions calculation model described above, CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product will be provided. A computer implementation method, including

17. A system for providing CO2 equivalent data for fertilizer products for field use, A providing unit configured to provide field data of a field, A further providing unit configured to provide first fertilizer product data, wherein the first fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product including means for reducing nitrogen loss, A further providing unit configured to provide second fertilizer product data, wherein the second fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include means for reducing nitrogen loss, A further providing unit configured to provide application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product, including the application rate for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field, based on the field data provided above, A further providing unit configured to provide an emissions calculation model configured to calculate CO2 equivalent values ​​for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product based on the first fertilizer product data and the second fertilizer product data, and the application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product, A further providing unit configured to provide CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product using the emissions calculation model, A system that includes this.

18. A device for providing CO2 equivalent data for fertilizer products for fields, comprising one or more computing nodes, and when executed by the one or more computing nodes, the device provides: To provide field data for the fields, To provide first fertilizer product data, wherein the first fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that includes means for reducing nitrogen loss, To provide second fertilizer product data, wherein the second fertilizer product data relates to a nitrogen fertilizer product that does not include means for reducing nitrogen loss, Based on the field data provided, the application rate data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product is provided, including the application rate for applying the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product to the field. The present invention provides an emissions calculation model configured to calculate CO2 equivalent values ​​for the first and second fertilizer products based on the first fertilizer product data, the second fertilizer product data, and the application rate data for the first and second fertilizer products. Using the emissions calculation model described above, CO2 equivalent data for the first fertilizer product and the second fertilizer product will be provided. One or more computer-readable media containing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the steps, A device equipped with the following features.

19. A computer program element having an instruction, configured to perform a step of the computer implementation method for providing CO2 conversion data for field fertilizer products according to claim 16 when the instruction is executed on a computing device of a computing environment, in a system for providing CO2 conversion data for field fertilizer products according to claim 17, or in an apparatus for providing CO2 conversion data for field fertilizer products according to claim 18.

20. A computer-based method for providing CO2 equivalent data for fertilizer products for field use, To provide field data for the fields, To provide fertilizer product data, wherein the fertilizer product data relates to nitrogen fertilizer products that include means for reducing nitrogen loss, Based on the field data provided, the application rate data of the fertilizer product is provided, including the application rate for applying the fertilizer product to the field. Based on the aforementioned fertilization rate data, the fertilizer product is applied to the field. To provide an emissions calculation model configured to calculate the CO2 equivalent value for the fertilizer product based on the fertilizer product data and the application rate data of the fertilizer product, Using the aforementioned emissions calculation model, CO2 equivalent data for the fertilizer product is provided. Optionally, the CO2 equivalent data may be provided to the measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system. A computer implementation method, including

21. Use of CO2 equivalent data provided by a computer implementation method for providing CO2 equivalent data relating to field fertilizer products in a management system for producing fertilizer products according to claim 16 or 20.

22. Use of CO2 equivalent data provided by a computer implementation method for providing CO2 equivalent data according to claim 16 or 20 in a measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system.

23. A computer program element having an instruction, wherein when the instruction is executed on a computing device of a computing environment, the instruction is configured to perform the steps of the computer implementation method described in claim 16 or 20.

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