Separate Fertilizer Spreading and Additive Spraying for Precision Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying agrochemical mixtures to fields often result in inefficient nitrogen use due to ammonia and nitrous oxide losses, which are environmentally harmful and economically costly, and lack the ability to adjust the fertilizer-to-additive ratio based on soil quality and climatic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and vehicle configuration that apply solid fertilizers and liquid fertilizer additives separately, preventing clumping and maintaining optimal distribution, allowing for real-time adjustment of the fertilizer-to-additive ratio based on soil conditions and using nitrification or urease inhibitors to reduce nitrogen losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid fertilizer and liquid fertilizer additive are applied together using a mixed application device, then application efficiency is improved, but the liquid additive causes clumping and sticking of solid fertilizer particles, deteriorating distribution quality
Solution Approach 1:
The application device is segmented into separate components: a solid fertilizer spreading device and a liquid fertilizer additive spraying device. These devices operate independently with separate delivery systems, allowing each to function optimally without interference. The solid fertilizer is spread through gravity-fed hoppers and spreader discs, while the liquid additive is applied through separate nozzles positioned to avoid contact with solid fertilizer particles, thus preventing clumping while maintaining efficient application.
2Ease of operation
If fertilizer and fertilizer additive are premixed before application, then application simplicity is improved, but the ratio cannot be adjusted based on soil quality and climatic conditions, deteriorating adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates variable rate control mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of both solid fertilizer and liquid additive application rates independently. Control systems with variable speed motors and adjustable flow meters enable operators to modify application ratios in real-time based on soil tests, crop needs, and environmental conditions. The separate delivery systems maintain proportional control while allowing flexible ratio changes throughout the application process.
3Loss of energy
If liquid fertilizer additive is sprayed before solid fertilizer is spread, then nitrogen loss reduction is improved, but the liquid additive contacts the solid fertilizer spreading device surfaces, causing clumping
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs spatial separation in the vertical dimension by positioning liquid additive nozzles at different heights and angles relative to the solid fertilizer spreading components. The liquid additive is sprayed onto the ground surface or into the air stream below the solid fertilizer application zone, creating distinct application planes. This dimensional separation allows the liquid to contact the soil or air without wetting the solid fertilizer particles or the spreading device surfaces, preventing clumping while ensuring the additive is in position to reduce nitrogen losses when the solid fertilizer is subsequently applied.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for applying an agrochemical mixture to a working area (2) of a field (1) using a vehicle (3) moving on the field (1). Thereby, a fertilizer (6) is spread on the working area (2) using a fertilizer spreading device (4) mounted on the vehicle (3; 3a) and a fertilizer additive (7) is sprayed on the working area (2) using a field sprayer (5), mounted on the vehicle (3) separately from the fertilizer spreading device (4). Furthermore, geographical position of the vehicle (3) is determined and a predetermined quantity of fertilizer (6) and fertilizer additive (7), respectively, is applied to the field (1) depending on the determined position on the field (1). Moreover, the invention relates to a vehicle (3) for applying an agrochemical mixture to a working area (2) of a field (1) while moving on the field (1).