A lightweight and efficient rice field fertilizer applicator: structure, control, and test analysis

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Soil Science
• Precision Agriculture

Background:

• Side-deep fertilization in paddy fields is crucial for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and mitigating surface water pollution.
• Conventional applicators are often too heavy and require high horsepower, hindering widespread adoption in paddy fields with limited machinery capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a lightweight, low-power centrifugal distribution-type side-deep fertilizer applicator suitable for existing paddy machinery.
• To design an integrated control system for improved fertilization uniformity and adaptability to various fertilizers.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis and bench experiments were conducted on a grooved wheel fertilizer discharging device, refining a bulk density-based fertilizer model.
• Central Composite Design (CCD) testing was employed to analyze centrifugal distribution principles and establish optimal rotational speed-matching models for dispenser and distributor components.
• Field tests were performed on the integrated control system, incorporating the refined fertilizer discharge model and optimal speed-matching.

Main Results:

• The developed applicator demonstrated an average error of 4.84% in total fertilizer discharge (max 7.93%) and an average coefficient of variation of 5.47% for across-row discharge (max 7.03%).
• The control system exhibited strong dynamic adaptability, performing stably in both static and dynamic tests and effectively handling different types of fertilizers.
• Comparative analysis indicated significant advantages in quality, cost, and power requirements over existing paddy field fertilizer applicators.

Conclusions:

• The developed lightweight, low-power applicator and its control system effectively address the limitations of conventional machinery for side-deep fertilization in paddy fields.
• The system's high precision, adaptability, and efficiency suggest strong potential for widespread adoption, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
• This innovation supports improved NUE and reduced environmental pollution through optimized fertilizer application in rice cultivation.