Iris Publishers - World Journal of Agriculture and Soil Science (WJASS)
The Cause of Increased Effectiveness of Water-In-Oil Emulsion Over Water Application of Trichoderma Ovalisporum on Theobroma Cacao
Introduction
Timed
and efficient agricultural practices are required for enhanced crop production.
One of such practices is appropriate and timely management of weeds that affect
crop yield over 33 % by competing for nutrients and other resources supplied
for optimum crop growth [1]. Several methods for controlling weeds have been
explored such as manual, chemical, biological, mechanical and mechatronic
[2-4]. However, these methods are only targeted for weed control in the
inter-row zone while the intra-row weeds remain unharmed. Manual method of weed
control is the earliest and smoothest of all but induces severe consequences of
health risks due to excess fatigue and bending along with skin infections [5].
Chemical application is another method that is being explored. However, the
presence of herbicide resistant weeds and increasing demand for chemical free
food has initiated investigation of alternative methods [6]. Intra-row weeding
is also challenging due to weeds aligned with main crops. Pertinent to these
circumstances, an ultrasonic sensor-based precision weeding system was
developed. This system integrates sensor with lateral shifting mechanism (LSM)
through a microcontroller algorithm. This study therefore summarizes the
development of this technology along with its preliminary evaluation towards
sensing accuracy and plant damage.
Methods
and MaterialsThe intra-row weeding setup
A
vertical axis rotary mounting weeding blades (Figure 1) around its periphery
was developed as the weeding tool that was operated with lateral shifting
mechanism (LSM). The movement of LSM was governed by the real time sensing of
crop height by an ultrasonic sensor and a single board computer (ATMEGA 328).
The electronic sensing and control unit
consists of an ultrasonic sensor, microprocessor, proximity sensors, direct
current motor (0.5 hp) and motor controller. The ultrasonic sensor was placed
on a telescopic rod at 30 cm ahead of the vertical rotary based on the
operation delay of the electronic control unit. Initially, the vertical rotary
rotates around its own axis in the intra-row zone and is traversed forward by a
prime mover. During the forward course, as the main plant is identified by the
sensor, the controller actuates the motor to laterally shift the rotary weeder
out of the travel line, this avoids the damaging the main plant. The original
position is retained as the plant passes by and weeding continues. The working
concept of the weeding system is shown in Figure 2. Two proximity sensors were
installed in the system to limit the lateral movement of the vertical rotary
within the plant protection zone. to control the rotary position in weeding and
plant protection zone according to sensors signal. A CAD view of soil bin setup
of intra row weeding system is shown in Figure 2.
Results and Discussions
The operating
accuracy (Figure 3) of 96.30% was obtained under plant spacing of 50cm, forward
speed of 1.92 km/h, motor speed of 150 RPM and operating delay of 70 ms.
Similarly, a maximum operating accuracy of 80-85% was obtained for plant
spacing of 30 and 40cm at a forward speed of 2.45 km/h, motor speed of 200 RPM
and operating delay of 0 ms. The soil bin profile before and after the
intra-row weeding is shown in Figure 4.
Evaluation of intra row weeding technology
The developed setup
of the intra-row weeder was evaluated in the soil bin laboratory of the
Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, IIT, Kharagpur, India. A soil
processing trolley was used to prepare test bed under different soil conditions
(compaction, moisture etc.). The developed setup was driven by the implement
trolley. Artificial plants were planted in the soil bed at different spacings
and system was driven at different speeds to determine the sensing accuracy and
damage that later estimated the overall operating efficiency.
Conclusion
An intra-row weeder prototype was developed in
integration with the electronic control system for removing weeds and avoiding
interference with the plants at same time. A fine amount of operating accuracy
can be obtained with such systems by identifying the suitable operating
conditions. The systems also guarantee minimal negative effects on environment
and main crops.
To read more about this article: https://irispublishers.com/wjass/fulltext/sonar-sensor-based-intra-row-weeding-prototype-for-row-crops.ID.000571.php
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