Nematode Control Timing Through Soil Temperature Heat-Sum Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling nematodes in agriculture and horticulture face challenges in efficiency and environmental impact, particularly with chemical controls becoming restricted, and there is a need for a more effective and ecological approach.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a temperature sensor to monitor soil temperature, model nematode development, calculate a heat sum, and generate a message when a target parameter is reached to apply a biological control agent like Paecilomyces lilacinus nematicide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical substances are used to counteract nematode attack, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but environmental impact and product authorization restrictions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from chemical application to biological control agents (such as Paecilomyces lilacinus) applied at specific thermal accumulation stages. By monitoring temperature and calculating thermal sums, the system determines optimal timing for biological control agent application, replacing chemical substances with environmentally friendly alternatives that maintain control effectiveness while reducing environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical control mechanism with a biological control mechanism. Instead of using chemical substances that directly kill or inhibit nematodes, the system employs biological agents that naturally attack and control nematode populations, substituting a mechanical/chemical system with a biological one that is more environmentally compatible.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biological control methods are used, then environmental impact is reduced, but control efficiency and timing precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring soil temperature and comparing accumulated thermal sums against predetermined thresholds for different nematode development stages. This feedback loop enables precise determination of the optimal timing for biological control agent application, ensuring maximum control efficiency while maintaining environmental benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary monitoring and calculation of thermal accumulation before applying biological control agents. By pre-calculating when specific nematode stages will be reached based on temperature data, the system prepares and times the application of biological control agents to coincide with the most effective moment, thereby achieving high control efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring and thermal sum calculation are implemented, then timing precision for control is improved, but device complexity and measurement requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal temperature sensor and thermal accumulation calculation system that serves multiple functions: monitoring current temperature, calculating thermal sums, determining nematode development stage, and timing control agent application. This multi-functional approach achieves precise timing without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring temperature, calculating thermal accumulation, and determining optimal control timing without requiring external intervention. The temperature sensors and calculation algorithms work autonomously to provide precise timing information, reducing the need for complex external monitoring and control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient timing of nematode control, reducing costs and environmental impact by using a biological method at the optimal nematode stage, ensuring high harvest quality.
Implementation Method 1
measuring temperature values in the soil at measurement time points
Implementation Method 2
calculating a heat sum on the basis of the temperature values and the measurement time points with the aid of the model
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with the technical field of crop protection. The present invention relates to a system, a method, a kit and a computer program product for controlling nematodes.