Field management system
The field management system uses sensors and calculation units to manage soil conditions, optimizing mid-season drying to reduce methane production and emissions by monitoring bacterial activity, addressing the challenge of methane generation in agricultural fields.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KUBOTA CHEMIX CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing field management systems do not effectively monitor and manage conditions to prevent methane production by methane-producing bacteria, which contributes to global warming.
A field management system that includes moisture and oxygen sensors to measure soil conditions, an estimation unit to determine methane-producing bacteria activity levels, and a calculation unit to optimize mid-season drying periods, thereby reducing methane generation.
The system enables precise control over methane production by estimating bacterial activity and extending mid-season drying periods, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing evidence for emission reduction projects.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0006] , ,
[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a field management system for managing water in a field.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, the technology of a field management system for managing water in a field has been known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.
[0003] The water management system described in Patent Document 1 is for supplying the water stored in a farm pond to a field. The water management system includes a pump for pumping up the water in the farm pond and sending it toward the field, and a water supply tap or the like for opening and closing a path through which the water from the pump flows into each field. By using such a water management system, the water level in the field can be appropriately managed.
[0004] Here, methane-producing bacteria exist in the soil of the field, and there is concern about the progress of global warming due to the methane produced by the methane-producing bacteria. Therefore, a technology capable of grasping the activity of methane-producing bacteria (whether it is a state where methane is hardly produced in the field) is required.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0005]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and the problem to be solved is to provide a field management system capable of grasping whether it is a state where methane is hardly produced in the field.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The problem that one aspect of this disclosure aims to solve is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be explained.
[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the present invention comprises at least one of the following: a water supply device for opening and closing a water tap for supplying water to a field, or a water level measuring unit for measuring the surface water level of the field; a moisture content measuring unit for measuring the amount of moisture in the soil of the field; and an estimation unit that estimates, based on the measurement results of the moisture content measuring unit, the methane-producing bacteria activity level, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria, and the mid-season drying period, which is the period of mid-season drying in the field, wherein the estimation unit Entered Based on the information, it is possible to obtain information on when the water supply to the field was stopped. After the water supply was stopped, the time when the estimated activity level of the generative bacteria falls below a predetermined standard activity level is estimated to be the start of the mid-season drainage period. Subsequently, the time when the estimated activity level of the generative bacteria becomes higher than the standard activity level is estimated to be the end of the mid-season drainage period. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in the field.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of moisture in the soil includes at least one of the humidity in the soil and the groundwater level of the field. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in a field, based on at least one of the soil moisture and the groundwater level of the field.
[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the estimation unit estimates the activity level of the microbial growth during a set period of time set for performing mid-season drying. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in the field during a set period.
[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the invention further comprises a first calculation unit that calculates the end time of the mid-season drying based on the measurement results of the moisture content measuring unit. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the appropriate timing for ending mid-season drying can be determined based on the calculation results of the first calculation unit.
[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the present invention comprises at least one of the following: a water supply device for opening and closing a water tap for supplying water to a field, or a water level measuring unit for measuring the surface water level of the field; an oxygen amount measuring unit for measuring the amount of oxygen in the soil of the field; and an estimation unit that estimates the activity level of methane-producing bacteria, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria, and the mid-season drying period, which is the period of mid-season drying in the field, based on the measurement results of the oxygen amount measuring unit, wherein the estimation unit Entered Based on the information, the time when water supply to the aforementioned field was stopped. Information It is possible to obtain the data, and the time when the estimated activity level of the generating bacteria falls below a predetermined standard activity level after the water supply has been stopped is estimated as the start time of the mid-season drainage period, and thereafter the time when the estimated activity level of the generating bacteria rises above the standard activity level is estimated as the end time of the mid-season drainage period. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in the field.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a second calculation unit that calculates at least one of the amount of methane discharged from the field or the amount of methane reduction in the field relative to a predetermined standard value, based on the estimation result of the activity level of the microbial activity. According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least one of methane emissions or methane reduction can be obtained by processing in the second calculation unit, thereby improving convenience.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second calculation unit converts the calculation result of at least one of the methane emissions or the methane reduction into an amount of carbon dioxide. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the amount of carbon dioxide can be obtained by processing in the second calculation unit, thereby improving convenience.
[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes a creation unit that creates a report regarding the calculation result of the second calculation unit. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, convenience can be improved. For example, since the creation unit can create a report for reporting the amount of methane reduction to a jurisdiction or the like, convenience can be improved.
[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it further includes an information processing device that stores the image data of the photographed field and the identification information for identifying the field in association with each other. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, by associating the image data with the identification information, the image data can be managed for each field.
Effect of the Invention
[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to grasp whether or not it is difficult for methane to be generated in the field.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0018] [Figure 1] Explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the field management system. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the field management system. [Figure 3] Flowchart showing the activity estimation process for estimating the activity of the producing bacteria. [Figure 4] Explanatory diagram showing the mid-stem start time and the mid-stem period. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the report creation process for creating a report regarding the activity of the producing bacteria. [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of the report created in the report creation process. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the data storage process for storing the image data.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0020] The field management system 10 shown in Figure 1 is for managing water in fields H (multiple fields H in this embodiment). The field management system 10 comprises a water supply device 11, a water level and water temperature sensor 12, a humidity sensor 13, a drainage device 14, a communication relay device 15, a worker terminal 16, a field management server 17, an image management server 18, and a data center 19.
[0021] The water supply device 11 is for managing the water supply to field H. The water supply device 11 is installed in each field H. The water supply device 11 comprises communication equipment for communicating with a communication relay device 15 (described later), and a water tap (not shown) installed in the waterway connecting the water supply pipe K and field H. The water supply device 11 can switch between a state where water can be supplied to field H and a state where water cannot be supplied by opening and closing the water tap. Furthermore, the water supply device 11 can adjust the amount of water supplied to field H according to the opening degree of the water tap. In addition, the water supply device 11 may have an imaging device such as a camera. The water supply device 11 can store image data captured by the imaging device in association with information that identifies the water supply device 11.
[0022] The water level and temperature sensor 12 is for measuring the water level (hereinafter referred to as "surface water level") and water temperature at the surface H1 of field H. The water level and temperature sensor 12 is installed in each field H. The water level and temperature sensor 12 is connected to the water supply device 11 and can transmit the measurement results of the surface water level and water temperature to the water supply device 11.
[0023] The humidity sensor 13 is used to measure the amount of moisture in the soil of field H, specifically the humidity of the soil in field H. A humidity sensor 13 is installed in each field H. The humidity sensor 13 is connected to the water supply device 11 and can transmit the humidity measurement results to the water supply device 11.
[0024] The drainage device 14 is for managing the drainage of field H. A drainage device 14 is installed in each field H. The drainage device 14 comprises communication equipment for communicating with the communication relay 15 and a drain plug installed at the drain outlet of field H (not shown). The drainage device 14 is configured to adjust the height of the partition body of the drain plug in response to signals received via the communication equipment. For example, the drainage device 14 can discharge water from field H into the drainage channel C by lowering the partition body to a position lower than the surface water level. The drainage device 14 can also stop drainage from field H by raising the partition body to a height above the surface water level. In this way, water can be stored in field H up to the same water level as the height of the partition body (the height of the top surface). Furthermore, the drainage device 14 can control the drainage of field H (opening and closing of the drain plug and the amount of drainage) by adjusting the height of the partition body. In the following, the height of the partition (the water level that can be stored in field H) will be referred to as the "drainage gate height".
[0025] The field management system 10 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a remotely controllable drainage device 14. For example, the field management system 10 may be equipped with a drainage device that cannot be remotely controlled instead of the drainage device 14. The height of the drainage gate of such a drainage device can be adjusted (manually) by operating an operating tool, for example.
[0026] The communication relay device 15 is a wireless communication-capable device. The communication relay device 15 can exchange information with the water supply device 11, the drainage device 14, and the field management server 17 (described later) via wireless communication.
[0027] The worker terminal 16 is a terminal owned by the worker. The worker terminal 16 comprises a arithmetic unit capable of performing calculations, a memory device storing programs, etc., an input device capable of inputting information, and an output device capable of displaying the results of calculations, etc. The worker terminal 16 consists of a device that the worker can carry, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.
[0028] The worker terminal 16 can detect its own location information (latitude and longitude) by receiving signals from GPS satellites and cell phone base stations. The worker terminal 16 also has a built-in camera. The worker terminal 16 can associate its own location information with image data captured by the camera and store it. This allows the user to understand where the image data was taken.
[0029] The field management server 17 is for processing water supply and drainage for field H. The field management server 17 is composed of a cloud server (more precisely, a server virtually built within a cloud server). The field management server 17 can exchange information with the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 14 via the communication relay device 15. The field management server 17 can acquire various information by receiving signals from the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 14. For example, based on signals from the water supply device 11, the field management server 17 can acquire the opening degree of the water tap, the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 12, and the measurement results of the humidity sensor 13. The field management server 17 can also acquire the current drainage gate height based on signals from the drainage device 14.
[0030] The field management server 17 can also control the water supply and drainage of field H by sending signals to the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 14. For example, the field management server 17 can open and close the water tap by sending a signal to the water supply device 11, switching between a state where water can be supplied to field H and a state where water cannot be supplied, and adjusting the opening degree of the water tap. The field management server 17 can also adjust the height of the drainage gate by sending a signal to the drainage device 14. The field management server 17 only needs to send and receive signals with at least one of the water supply device 11 or the drainage device 14; for example, it can send and receive signals with both the water supply device 11 and the drainage device 14. Through this control of water supply and drainage, the field management server 17 can adjust the surface water level to a water level (set water level) appropriate to the growth stage of the crop. An example of the process for adjusting the surface water level will be described below.
[0031] The field management server 17 opens the water tap to raise the surface water level of field H to the set level. Then the field management server 17 closes the water tap to stop the water supply to field H. As the water in field H permeates the soil and dries out, the surface water level of field H gradually decreases after the water supply is stopped. When the surface water level falls below the set level by a predetermined threshold, the field management server 17 resumes water supply to field H to return the water level of field H to the set level. By repeating this water supply and water supply stoppage, the field management server 17 adjusts the surface water level to a level suitable for the growth stage of the crops. Note that the above method of adjusting (controlling) the surface water level is just one example, and it is possible to adjust the surface water level in any way according to various parameters. Furthermore, if there is no remotely operable drain plug in field H, the water level can be adjusted as described above using the fixed drain gate height as the reference. If there is a drain plug, the water level can be adjusted using the adjusted drain gate height as the reference.
[0032] The field management server 17 can exchange information with the worker terminal 16 via an internet connection or the like. For example, the field management server 17 can notify the worker terminal 16 of predetermined information (such as surface water level) by sending a signal to the worker terminal 16 in response to a request from the worker terminal 16. Also, for example, the field management server 17 can open and close the water tap in response to an operation by the worker terminal 16 by sending a signal to the water supply device 11 in response to a request from the worker terminal 16.
[0033] The image management server 18 is for processing image data captured by the worker terminal 16. The image management server 18 is configured, for example, as a cloud server. The image management server 18 can exchange information with the worker terminal 16 and the data center 19 via the internet or the like.
[0034] The data center 19 is a facility for storing various information related to field H and the field management system 10. The data center 19 is equipped with a storage device (e.g., a large-capacity storage device) for storing information, and the measurement results of the water level and water temperature sensor 12 and the history of changes to the drainage gate height are stored in the storage device. The data center 19 can store information transmitted from the field management server 17 and the image management server 18 in the storage device. The data center 19 can also transmit the information stored in the storage device to the field management server 17 and the image management server 18 when requested by them.
[0035] In this case, when rice is grown in field H, mid-season drainage is performed to suppress excessive growth of the rice plants. When mid-season drainage is performed using the field management system 10, the water supply to field H by the water supply device 11 is stopped, and field H is dried out.
[0036] In this embodiment, the period during which water supply is stopped for mid-season drying can be set according to the operation of the worker terminal 16. Hereinafter, this period will be referred to as the "set period". The worker can set the set period by, for example, inputting the date and time to stop water supply and the date and time to resume water supply into the worker terminal 16.
[0037] During the specified period, water supply to field H is stopped, causing the surface water level of field H to decrease over time. When field H dries out due to the decrease in surface water level (becoming a mid-season drained state), tillering of the rice plants is suppressed, and excessive growth of the rice plants can be inhibited. In addition, when the field is in a mid-season drained state, the activity of anaerobic bacteria that produce methane is suppressed, and the amount of methane discharged from field H can be reduced.
[0038] The recommended mid-season drainage period for rice cultivation is predetermined according to the region, variety, and other factors. For example, an appropriate mid-season drainage period is set for each field H, such as "about 8 days." Since methane is a greenhouse gas, extending the mid-season drainage beyond the usual period (the recommended period of about 8 days) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, workers can participate in projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., J-Credits) and receive compensation according to the project's regulations by demonstrating that they extended the mid-season drainage. To prove that the mid-season drainage was extended, evidence is needed showing that the drainage lasted for a longer period than usual.
[0039] The field management system 10 of this embodiment is configured to estimate the activity level of methane-producing bacteria, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria. Furthermore, the field management system 10 is configured to estimate the mid-season drainage state of field H based on the activity level of methane-producing bacteria. Therefore, the worker can use the estimated result of the mid-season drainage state as evidence to prove the extension of the mid-season drainage. The configuration for estimating the mid-season drainage state and the activity level of methane-producing bacteria will be described below with reference to Figure 2.
[0040] The field management server 17 comprises an acquisition unit 17a and an estimation unit 17b. The acquisition unit 17a is for acquiring various information necessary for estimating the activity level of the growing microorganisms (such as humidity information 19a, described later) from the data center 19. The estimation unit 17b is for performing calculation processing to estimate the activity level of the growing microorganisms.
[0041] The image management server 18 comprises an acquisition unit 18a, a calculation unit 18b, and a creation unit 18c. The acquisition unit 18a is for acquiring various information (such as field information 19b described later) necessary for processing by the calculation unit 18b and the creation unit 18c from the worker terminal 16 or the data center 19. The calculation unit 18b is for calculating the amount of methane reduction suppressed by the extension of mid-season drainage. The creation unit 18c is for creating a report R (see Figure 6) regarding the mid-season drainage state. The acquisition unit 18a only needs to acquire information from at least one of the worker terminal 16 or the data center 19; for example, it can acquire information from both the worker terminal 16 and the data center 19. Furthermore, the image management server 18 may be an integrated server with the field management server 17, or it may be configured as a separate server.
[0042] The data center 19 stores humidity information 19a, field information 19b, image information 19c, and estimated result information 19d.
[0043] Humidity information 19a is a history of soil humidity. Humidity information 19a is managed for each field H. In this embodiment, humidity information 19a is information that is linked to each other, such as field identification information that identifies field H, sensor identification information that identifies humidity sensor 13, the measurement result of soil humidity by humidity sensor 13, and the date and time when the humidity was measured. Humidity information 19a is created each time humidity sensor 13 measures humidity and stored in data center 19.
[0044] Field information 19b is field-specific information. Field information 19b is information that is linked to each other, such as field identification information, location information of field H, area of field H, reduction-based methane generation rate, and oxidation-based methane generation rate. The reduction-based methane generation rate is the amount of methane generated per unit area and per unit time in field H under a reduction state where water is present and oxygen levels are low. The oxidation-based methane generation rate is the amount of methane generated per unit area and per unit time in field H under an oxidation state where field H is dry and oxygen levels are high. The reduction-based methane generation rate and the oxidation-based methane generation rate can be set based on information about field H (soil properties and conditions, region, etc.) or experiments, for example. Field information 19b is stored in advance in the data center 19.
[0045] Image information 19c is information relating to image data of field H taken by the camera of the worker terminal 16. Image information 19c is managed for each field H. Image information 19c is information that is linked to each other, such as field identification information, location information of field H, image data, and the date and time the image data was taken. Image information 19c is stored in the data center 19 by processing by the image management server 18.
[0046] Estimated result information 19d is information that allows for the determination of estimated results regarding the mid-season drainage state and the activity level of the growing microorganisms. Estimated result information 19d is managed for each field H. Estimated result information 19d is information that is linked to each other, such as field identification information, estimated results of the mid-season drainage state, and estimated results of the activity level of the growing microorganisms.
[0047] The field management server 17 is configured to notify of abnormalities based on the opening degree of the water supply valve, etc. Specifically, the field management server 17 estimates the surface water level of field H based on the opening degree of the water supply valve and the opening degree of the drain valve. If the estimation result differs from the measurement result of the water level and water temperature sensor 12 (measured surface water level) by a predetermined threshold or more, the field management server 17 detects an abnormality in the surface water level and notifies the worker terminal 16, etc. This allows for a quick response to abnormalities in the field management system 10 (for example, misalignment or malfunction of the water level and water temperature sensor 12).
[0048] The activity estimation process for estimating the mid-season drainage state and the activity level of the generated microorganisms in field H will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The activity estimation process is performed, for example, by the field management server 17 during the set period (the period during which water supply is stopped). As shown in Figure 3, once the activity estimation process is executed, the field management server 17 proceeds to step S10.
[0049] In step S10, the acquisition unit 17a of the field management server 17 acquires information necessary for estimating the activity level of the generated fungi from the data center 19. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 17a acquires the history of soil humidity during the set period from the humidity information 19a of the data center 19. When the processing of step S10 is completed, the field management server 17 moves on to step S20.
[0050] In step S20, the estimation unit 17b of the field management server 17 estimates the activity level of methane-producing bacteria based on the soil humidity history obtained in step S10. As mentioned above, methane-producing bacteria are anaerobic bacteria, so they become more active when soil humidity is high (when there is less oxygen in the soil). Therefore, the higher the soil humidity, the greater the amount of methane produced. Thus, there is a correlation between soil humidity and the activity level of methane-producing bacteria. In this embodiment, the relationship between soil humidity and the amount of methane produced has been determined by conducting experiments beforehand to investigate the above correlation.
[0051] In step S20, the estimation unit 17b calculates the amount of methane generated according to the humidity based on the history of soil humidity obtained in step S10 and the above relationship. By calculating the amount of methane generated in this way, the estimation unit 17b can estimate how actively the methane-producing bacteria are working (activity level of methane-producing bacteria). When the processing in step S20 is completed, the field management server 17 moves on to step S30.
[0052] In step S30, the estimation unit 17b of the field management server 17 estimates the mid-season drainage state of field H based on the activity level of the microbial growth estimated in step S10. An example of the process in step S20 will be explained below using Figure 4.
[0053] As described above, water supply to field H is stopped during the set period, so the surface water level of field H decreases over time, transitioning to a mid-season drainage state. In the mid-season drainage state, the soil contains a large amount of oxygen, which suppresses the activity of methane-producing bacteria. In this embodiment, the amount of methane produced in this mid-season drainage state (reference methane-producing bacteria activity level) is determined in advance through experiments, etc. The estimation unit 17b compares the reference methane-producing bacteria activity level with the methane-producing bacteria activity level estimated in step S20 to identify the time when water supply was stopped and the field transitioned to a mid-season drainage state (hereinafter referred to as the "mid-season drainage start time").
[0054] Furthermore, since the field management server 17 automatically stops the water supply to field H until the set period ends, the estimation unit 17b estimates the period from the start of mid-season drainage until the water supply resumes as the mid-season drainage period. However, since the water tap can be opened and closed according to the operation of the worker terminal 16, there is a possibility that the water supply to field H may be resumed by the operation (manual) of the worker terminal 16 in the middle of the set period. In this case, the humidity in the soil of field H will increase, and the estimated result of the activity level of the generating bacteria will be higher than the standard activity level of the generating bacteria. In this case, the estimation unit 17b defines the period from the start of mid-season drainage until the time when the estimated result of the activity level of the generating bacteria becomes higher than the standard activity level of the generating bacteria as the mid-season drainage period. When the processing of step S30 is completed, the field management server 17 proceeds to step S30.
[0055] In step S30, the estimation unit 17b transmits the estimated results of the microbial activity and mid-season drainage status from steps S20 and S30 to the worker terminal 16. This notifies the worker terminal 16 of the estimated results of the microbial activity and mid-season drainage status. When the processing in step S40 is completed, the field management server 17 terminates the mid-season drainage status estimation process.
[0056] The processes from step S10 to step S40 described above can be executed in real time during the set period. For example, the above processes can be executed at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every few hours). This allows, for example, an operator to check the current state of field H at a desired time using the operator terminal 16. Furthermore, the processes from step S10 to step S40 can be performed all at once. For example, after the set period has ended, the activity state of the microbial growth and the mid-season drainage state (mid-season drainage period) during the completed set period can be estimated using the history of various information (soil humidity, water tap opening degree, etc.). The estimated microbial growth activity state and mid-season drainage state are then associated with field identification information and stored in the estimation result information 18f of the data center 19.
[0057] In this embodiment, by performing activity level estimation processing, the worker can easily grasp the mid-season drainage state without having to visit field H multiple times during the set period. This makes it easy to determine whether or not methane is unlikely to be generated in field H, thereby reducing the burden on the worker.
[0058] Furthermore, extending the mid-season drying period results in an estimated mid-season drying period that is longer than the usual (approximately 8 days) period. Since this extended mid-season drying period is reflected in the estimated mid-season drying period, the extension of the mid-season drying period can be proven using the estimated result.
[0059] In step S20, the estimation unit 17b estimated the activity level of methane-producing bacteria based on soil humidity. However, it is also possible to estimate the activity level of methane-producing bacteria based on other information that correlates with the activity level of methane-producing bacteria. For example, the estimation unit 17b can estimate the activity level of methane-producing bacteria using at least one of the following: the groundwater level of field H (the depth from the surface H1 of field H to the groundwater level) and the amount of oxygen in the soil. This will be explained in detail below.
[0060] First, let's explain an example of estimating methane-producing microbial activity using groundwater levels. When the groundwater level in field H decreases, the amount of oxygen in the soil increases, suppressing the activity of methane-producing bacteria. Thus, the groundwater level in field H is correlated with the activity of methane-producing bacteria.
[0061] Therefore, when estimating the activity level of the microorganisms based on the groundwater level, a groundwater level sensor is installed in field H to measure the groundwater level of field H. In addition, the relationship between the groundwater level of field H and the amount of methane produced is obtained in advance through experiments or other means. In step S20, the estimation unit 17b calculates the amount of methane produced according to the groundwater level based on the history of the groundwater level of field H and the above relationship. This makes it possible to estimate the activity level of the microorganisms based on the groundwater level.
[0062] Next, we will explain an example of estimating the activity of methane-producing bacteria using the amount of oxygen in the soil. As mentioned above, when the amount of oxygen in the soil increases, the activity of methane-producing bacteria is suppressed. Thus, the amount of oxygen in the soil is correlated with the activity of methane-producing bacteria.
[0063] Therefore, when estimating the activity level of the microorganisms based on the amount of oxygen in the soil, an oxygen sensor is installed in field H to measure the amount of oxygen in field H. In addition, the relationship between the amount of oxygen in the soil of field H and the amount of methane produced is obtained in advance through experiments or other means. In step S20, the estimation unit 17b calculates the amount of methane produced according to the amount of oxygen in the soil based on the history of the amount of oxygen in the soil of field H and the above relationship. This makes it possible to estimate the activity level of the microorganisms based on the amount of oxygen in the soil.
[0064] Furthermore, the estimation unit 17b can also estimate the activity level of the fungi by combining the groundwater level, soil humidity, and soil oxygen level. For example, the estimation unit 17b can estimate the activity level of the fungi by combining the groundwater level and soil humidity by calculating the average value of the amount of methane produced according to the groundwater level and the amount of methane produced according to the soil oxygen level.
[0065] The following describes the report creation process for generating a report R regarding the mid-season drying state, with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, report R is used, for example, to prove that the mid-season drying period has been extended.
[0066] The report generation process is performed as appropriate by the image management server 18 after the activity level estimation process is completed. For example, it is performed when the worker terminal 16 requests the image management server 18 to perform the report generation process. As shown in Figure 5, once the report generation process is executed, the image management server 18 proceeds to step S110.
[0067] In step S110, the acquisition unit 18a of the image management server 18 acquires the estimated result of the mid-season drought state obtained in the activity level estimation process from the estimated result information 19d of the data center 19. When the processing in step S110 is completed, the image management server 18 proceeds to step S120.
[0068] In step S120, the acquisition unit 18a of the image management server 18 acquires field-specific information necessary for creating report R from field information 19b in the data center 19. In this embodiment, the area of field H, the amount of methane generated based on reduction, and the amount of methane generated based on oxidation are acquired. When the processing in step S120 is completed, the image management server 18 proceeds to step S130.
[0069] In step S130, the calculation unit 18b of the image management server 18 calculates the amount of methane reduction in field H during the set period based on the acquisition results in steps S110 and S120. As described above, methane emissions can be suppressed by extending the mid-season drainage period beyond the usual (approximately 8 days). The amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130 is a value that indicates how much methane emissions were suppressed compared to the usual period by extending the mid-season drainage period beyond the usual period. Below, an example of the process in step S130 for calculating the amount of methane reduction will be described.
[0070] First, the calculation unit 18b obtains the period of the mid-season drainage state that is expected under normal mid-season drainage. This normal mid-season drainage period can be, for example, an appropriate mid-season drainage period (such as about 8 days) set for each field H, as described above. The calculation unit 18b calculates the difference between this normal mid-season drainage period and the mid-season drainage period obtained in step S110, that is, the period during which the mid-season drainage state is extended due to the extension of mid-season drainage (extension period).
[0071] The calculation unit 18b then calculates the amount of methane generated during the extended period when mid-season drainage is extended by multiplying the extension period, the amount of reduced methane generated obtained in step S120, and the area of field H. The calculation unit 18b also uses the amount of oxidized methane generated obtained in step S120 to calculate the amount of methane generated during the extended period when normal mid-season drainage is performed. The calculation unit 18b calculates the amount of methane reduction due to the extension of the set period by calculating the difference between these methane generation amounts. When the processing in step S130 is completed, the image management server 18 moves on to step S140.
[0072] In step S140, the calculation unit 18b of the image management server 18 converts the amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130 into an amount of carbon dioxide reduction. In this embodiment, the calculation unit 18b converts the amount of methane reduction into an amount of carbon dioxide reduction based on the global warming potential.
[0073] The global warming potential (GR) indicates the strength of the greenhouse effect of other greenhouse gases, based on the strength of the greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide emissions. The GR of methane is set at 25. The calculation unit 18b converts the methane reduction amount calculated in step S130 into a carbon dioxide reduction amount by multiplying it by the GR of methane (25). Once the processing in step S140 is completed, the image management server 18 proceeds to step S150.
[0074] In step S150, the creation unit 18c of the image management server 18 creates a report R regarding the mid-season drought conditions. At this time, the creation unit 18c creates a report R that conforms to the format of a document to be submitted to a designated institution, for example. For example, to receive a reward based on the amount of methane reduction, the creation unit 18c creates the report R by automatically filling in the necessary items in the blanks of a document template provided for a project on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., J-Credits).
[0075] As shown in an example in Figure 6, the creation unit 18c creates a report R that includes the name of field H, the amount of methane reduction calculated in step S130, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction calculated in step S140, and the mid-season drainage period estimated by the activity level estimation process. The creation unit 18c sends the created report R to the worker terminal 16. When the processing in step S150 is completed, the image management server 18 terminates the report creation process.
[0076] The report creation process eliminates the need for workers to create Report R, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, the image management server 18 can also transmit the data of Report R created by the report creation process to a designated institution. This further improves convenience by eliminating the need for workers to submit Report R.
[0077] Here, it is anticipated that the report R to be submitted to the designated institution may include image data of the surface H1 of field H and the water tap to prove that the set period has been extended. However, when images are taken with a smartphone or tablet camera, the image data is generally stored in a single folder. Therefore, if multiple fields H are photographed with the camera of a single worker terminal 16, managing the image data becomes cumbersome.
[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, the data storage processing of the image management server 18 enables the management of image data for each field H in the data center 19.
[0079] The data storage process will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 7. The data storage process is the process of storing image data in the storage device of the data center 19. The data storage process is performed as appropriate by the image management server 18 after, for example, field H has been photographed by the camera of the worker terminal 16. For example, it is performed when the worker terminal 16 requests the image management server 18 to perform the data storage process. As shown in Figure 7, once the data storage process is performed, the image management server 18 proceeds to step S210.
[0080] In step S210, the acquisition unit 18a of the image management server 18 acquires image data from the worker terminal 16. This image data is associated with information on the date and time of shooting and the location of shooting (location information of the worker terminal 16 at the time of shooting). When the processing in step S210 is completed, the image management server 18 proceeds to step S220.
[0081] In step S220, the acquisition unit 18a of the image management server 18 transmits information relating the image data acquired in step S210 with field identification information to the data center 19. An example of the processing in step S220 is described below.
[0082] First, the acquisition unit 18a acquires the location information and field identification information of each field H from the field information 19b in the data center 19. Then, based on the acquisition results of the shooting location information associated with the image data acquired in step S210 and the location information of each field H, the acquisition unit 18a identifies which field H the image data was taken from. After that, the acquisition unit 18a transmits the identification information of the identified field H, along with the image data acquired in step S210, the shooting time, and other associated information, to the data center 19. When the processing in step S220 is completed, the image management server 18 terminates the data storage process.
[0083] Through data storage processing, the information transmitted from the image management server 18 is stored as image information 19c in the data center 19 shown in Figure 2, allowing the data center 19 to manage image data for each field H.
[0084] By managing image data for each field H in this way, convenience can be improved. For example, only image data from a selection of fields H chosen by the worker can be displayed on the worker terminal 16. Image data can also be arranged in chronological order of capture date and time. Furthermore, the arranged image data can be pasted into a report R according to the worker terminal 16's operation. This makes it easy to create a report R using image data, thereby improving convenience.
[0085] In this embodiment, the server that manages the image data described above (image management server 18) is constructed separately from the server that manages the water supply and drainage of field H (field management server 17). By separating the servers in this way, even if one server fails, the other server will continue to operate, thus diversifying the risk of failure.
[0086] Furthermore, the water supply device 11 can supply water to field H after adding air to it, rather than supplying the water stored in the reservoir directly to field H. For example, by installing a bubble generator near the water supply device 11, it is possible to supply water containing bubbles with a diameter of 1 μm or more and less than 100 μm (microbubbles), bubbles with a diameter of less than 1 μm (ultrafine bubbles), etc., to field H. This allows the water in field H to contain a lot of air when flooding the field H. As mentioned above, since methane-producing bacteria are anaerobic bacteria, adding a lot of air to the water in field H can suppress the activity of methane-producing bacteria even at times other than mid-season drainage, thereby reducing the amount of methane emitted from field H.
[0087] As described above, the field management system 10 according to this embodiment comprises a moisture content measuring unit (humidity sensor 13) for measuring the amount of moisture in the soil of field H, and an estimation unit 17b for estimating the activity level of methane-producing bacteria, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria, based on the measurement results of the moisture content measuring unit.
[0088] By configuring the system in this way, it becomes possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in field H.
[0089] Furthermore, the amount of moisture in the soil includes at least one of the soil humidity and the groundwater level of field H.
[0090] By configuring the system in this way, it is possible to determine whether or not methane is unlikely to be generated in field H based on at least one of the soil moisture and the groundwater level of field H.
[0091] Furthermore, the estimation unit 17b estimates the activity level of the microbial growth during the set period for performing mid-season drying (step S20).
[0092] By configuring the system in this way, it becomes possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in field H during the set period.
[0093] Furthermore, the field management system 10 according to this embodiment comprises an oxygen quantity measuring unit that measures the amount of oxygen in the soil of field H, and an estimation unit 17b that estimates the activity level of methane-producing bacteria, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria, based on the measurement results of the oxygen quantity measuring unit.
[0094] By configuring the system in this way, it becomes possible to determine whether or not conditions are such that methane is unlikely to be generated in field H.
[0095] Furthermore, the field management system 10 is further equipped with a calculation unit 18b (second calculation unit) that calculates at least one of the methane emissions from field H or the amount of methane reduction in field H relative to a predetermined standard value, based on the estimation results of the activity level of the microbial activity.
[0096] By configuring it in this way, at least one of the methane emissions or methane reduction can be obtained by processing in the calculation unit 18b, thus improving convenience.
[0097] Furthermore, the calculation unit 18b converts the calculation result of at least one of the methane emissions or the methane reduction into an amount of carbon dioxide (step S140).
[0098] By configuring it in this way, the amount of carbon dioxide can be obtained through the processing of the calculation unit 18b, thus improving convenience.
[0099] Furthermore, the field management system 10 further comprises a creation unit 18c that creates a report R (report) concerning the calculation results of the calculation unit 18b.
[0100] This configuration improves convenience. For example, the creation unit 18c can create a report R to report the amount of methane reduction to the relevant authorities, thus improving convenience.
[0101] Furthermore, the field management system 10 further comprises an image management server 18 (information processing device) that stores image data of the field H and identification information that identifies the field H in association with each other.
[0102] By configuring it in this way, image data can be managed for each field H.
[0103] The humidity sensor 13 according to this embodiment is one form of the moisture content measuring unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the calculation unit 18b according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the second calculation unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the image management server 18 is one embodiment of the information processing device according to the present invention.
[0104] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.
[0105] For example, in this embodiment, the period for estimating the activity level of the microbial growth is set to be the mid-season drying period, but the estimation unit 16b can estimate the activity level of the microbial growth at any time, not limited to the set period.
[0106] In addition to estimating the activity level of the microbial growth, the estimation unit 17b can also perform other calculations using the amount of moisture in the soil (humidity, groundwater level). For example, the estimation unit 17b can use the amount of moisture in the soil to calculate the recommended time to end the mid-season drainage.
[0107] Specifically, if field H remains dry for a long period, the roots of the rice plants may be damaged, potentially leading to a decrease in yield. On the other hand, if the drying period for field H is too short, the effect of suppressing greenhouse gas (methane) emissions may be insufficient. Therefore, the estimation unit 17b monitors the amount of soil moisture (humidity, groundwater level) during the set period and calculates the recommended time to end the mid-season drainage based on the monitoring results. For example, the estimation unit 17b predicts the time when the soil humidity will fall below a predetermined threshold from the history of soil humidity and calculates this prediction result as the recommended time to end the mid-season drainage. The predetermined threshold is set appropriately according to information about field H (soil properties and conditions, region, etc.) and the type of rice grown in field H. More specifically, the predetermined threshold is set to a value that effectively suppresses methane emissions by extending the mid-season drainage while minimizing the impact of yield reduction. The calculation result for the recommended end date of mid-season drainage is reported to the worker terminal 16, allowing the worker to understand the optimal end date for mid-season drainage that minimizes the impact on yield while suppressing methane emissions by extending the set period.
[0108] Furthermore, the field management server 17 may automatically terminate the mid-season drainage based on the calculation result of the recommended end date for mid-season drainage described above, rather than the set period. This allows the mid-season drainage to be automatically terminated at an appropriate time.
[0109] As described above, the field management system 10 further comprises a first calculation unit (estimation unit 17b) that calculates the end time of mid-season drainage (recommended end time) based on the measurement results of the moisture content measurement unit (humidity sensor 13).
[0110] By configuring it in this way, the appropriate timing for ending the mid-season drying period can be determined based on the calculation results of the first calculation unit.
[0111] In this embodiment, various types of information, such as image data, are stored in the storage device of the data center 19. However, the devices on which these types of information are stored are not particularly limited. For example, the information may be stored in the field management server 17, the image management server 18, etc. Alternatively, the information may be distributed and stored across multiple servers.
[0112] In this embodiment, the server for managing image data (image management server 18) is constructed separately from the server for managing water supply and drainage of field H (field management server 17). However, the server configuration in the field management system 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the management of image data and the management of water supply and drainage of field H may be performed on a common server.
[0113] Furthermore, although the calculation unit 18b calculates the amount of methane reduction due to the extension of the set period in step S130, it may also calculate other information that allows for the determination of how much methane generation has been suppressed by extending the set period. For example, the calculation unit 18b may calculate the amount of methane discharged from field H during the set period. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0114] 10. Field Management System 13 Humidity Sensor 17b Presumption H nursery
Claims
1. A water supply device that opens and closes a water tap for supplying water to the field, or a water level measuring unit that measures the surface water level of the field, at least one of these, A moisture content measuring unit for measuring the moisture content in the soil of the aforementioned field, Based on the measurement results of the moisture content measurement unit, an estimation unit estimates the activity level of methane-producing bacteria, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria, and the mid-season drainage period, which is the period of mid-season drainage in the field. It is equipped with, The estimation unit, Based on the input information, it is possible to obtain information on when the water supply to the field was stopped. After the water supply is stopped, the time when the estimated activity level of the generative bacteria falls below a predetermined standard activity level is estimated to be the start of the mid-season drainage period, and thereafter, the time when the estimated activity level of the generative bacteria rises above the standard activity level is estimated to be the end of the mid-season drainage period. Field management system.
2. The amount of moisture in the soil is, A field management system according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the soil moisture and the groundwater level of the field.
3. The estimation unit, A field management system according to claim 1, which estimates the activity level of the microbial growth during a set period set for performing mid-season drainage.
4. The field management system according to claim 1, further comprising a first calculation unit that calculates the end time of mid-season drainage based on the measurement results of the moisture content measurement unit.
5. A water supply device that opens and closes a water tap for supplying water to the field, or a water level measuring unit that measures the surface water level of the field, at least one of these, An oxygen content measuring unit for measuring the amount of oxygen in the soil of the aforementioned field, Based on the measurement results of the oxygen quantity measuring unit, the estimation unit estimates the activity level of methane-producing bacteria, which indicates the degree of activity of methane-producing bacteria, and the mid-season drainage period, which is the period of mid-season drainage in the field. It is equipped with, The estimation unit, Based on the input information, it is possible to obtain information on when the water supply to the field was stopped. After the water supply is stopped, the time when the estimated activity level of the generative bacteria falls below a predetermined standard activity level is estimated to be the start of the mid-season drainage period, and thereafter, the time when the estimated activity level of the generative bacteria rises above the standard activity level is estimated to be the end of the mid-season drainage period. Field management system.
6. A field management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second calculation unit that calculates at least one of the amount of methane discharged from the field or the amount of methane reduction in the field relative to a predetermined standard value, based on the estimation result of the activity level of the microbial activity.
7. The second calculation unit is, The field management system according to claim 6, wherein the calculation result of at least one of the methane emissions or the methane reduction is converted into an amount of carbon dioxide.
8. The field management system according to claim 6, further comprising a creation unit for creating a report relating to the calculation results of the second calculation unit.
9. A field management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an information processing device that stores image data of the field and identification information for identifying the field in association with each other.