Design of a Flow Rate Adjustement System Related to Tree Foliage Surface Estimation by Using Ultrasonic Sensors (Smart Spraying Machine)

Year 2014, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 19 - 23, 01.02.2014

Eray Önler , İlker H. Çelen Erdal Kılıç M.recai Durgut

Abstract

The changes in the shape and size of crops in orchards during growing season require a

continuous adjustment of applied dose to optimise spray application efficiency. Ultrasonic sensors

can be used for measurement of crop width and adapting the applied dose. A four arms multinozzle

air-blast sprayer was fitted with four ultrasonic sensors to measure canopy volume in real

time, in relation to the variability of crop width. Crops are divided to four parts for measurements.

There is a significiant differences between four parts of trees in the term of canopy volume.

Highest density in the trees are detected at the 3.Zone of trees s expected. Lowest density in trees

are detected at the 1.Zone of canopy, the highest place of the tree.

Licor AM300 leaf area meter was used to measurement of leaf area and this measurements are

used to determine Leaf Area Index(LAI). Results of leaf area meter showed similarity with

ultrasonic sensor measurement

This study was funded by TARAL A.Ş. and Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology under the

SAN-TEZ program (Project number: 00558.STZ.2010-1)

Keywords

Orchard, spraying, distance measurement, electronic control, tree volume, ultrasonic

References

• Cross, J.V., Walklate, P.J., Murray, R.A., Richardson, G.M. (2001). Spray deposits and losses in different sized apple trees from an axial fan orchard sprayer: 1. effects of spray liquid flow rate. Crop Protection, vol.20, p. 13-30. Eberlinc, M., Dular, M., Širok, B., Lapanja, B. (2008).
• Influence of blade deformation on integral characteristic of axial flow fan. Strojniški vestnik - Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 54, no. 3, p. 159-169.
• Byers, R.E., Hickey, K.D., Hill, C.H. (1971): Base Gallonage Per Acre. Virginia Fruit, vol. 60, p. 19-23.
• Heijne, B., Doruchowski, R., Hołownicki, Koch,H., Jaeken, P., Siegfried, W., Hollinger, E. Cross, J.V., Orts, R. (1997). Developments in spray application techniques in European pome fruit growing. IOBC/WPRS Bull., vol. 20, no. 9, p. 119-129.
• Sutton, T.B., Unrath, C.R. (1984). Evaluation of the tree-row-volume concept with density adjustments in relation to spray deposits in apple orchards. Plant Disease, vol. 68, p. 480-484.
• Sutton, T.B., Unrath, C.R. (1988). Evaluation of the tree-row-volume model for full-season pesticide application on apples. Plant Disease, vol. 72, p. 629-632. Pergher, G., Gubiani, R., Tonetto, G. (1997).
• Foliar deposition and pesticide losses from three air-assisted sprayers in a hedgerow vineyard. Crop Protection, vol. 16, p. 25-33.
• Pergher, G., Petris, R. (2008). Pesticide dose adjustment in vineyard spraying and potential for dose reduction. The Cigr Ejournal, 10, Manuscript Alnarp 08 011, vol. X. Solanelles, F., Escolà, A., Planas, S., Rosell, J.R., Camp, F., Gràcia, F. (2006). An Electronic control system for pesticide application proportional to the canopy width of tree crops. Biosystems Engineering, vol. 95, p. 473- 481.
• Wangler, R.J., Connell, R.E., Fowler, K.L., Olson, R.A. (1993). Application of smart submunition technology to agribusiness. J.A. Deshazer, Meyer, G.E. (eds.). Proc. Spie Optics In Agriculture And Forestry, vol. 1836, p. 261- 272.
• Walklate, P.J., Cross, J.V., Richardson, G.M., Murray, R.A., Baker, D.E. (2002). Comparison of different spray volume deposition models using lidar measurements of apple orchards. Biosystems Engineering, vol. 82, p. 253- 267.
• Gil, E., Escolà, A., Rosell, J.R., Planas, S., Val, L. (2007). Variable rate application of plant protection products in vineyard using ultrasonic sensors. Crop Protection, vol. 26, p. 1287-1297.
• Jeycic, V., Godesa, T., Hocevar, M., Sirok, B., Malsernic, A., Stancar A., Lenik, M., Stajnko, D. (2011). Design and Testin of an Ultrasound System for Targeted Spraying in Orchards. Journal of Mechanical Engineering 57(2011) 7- 8, p.587-598