A Chisel Fertilizer for In-Soil Tree-Layer Differential Application in Precision Farming

Abstract

An original technical solution is proposed that permits the application of a main fertilizer dose once in 4-5 years at a depth of 6-25 cm with an inclined belt. The work aims to investigate the interaction between the proposed working tool (ripper-distributor) of the developed chisel-fertilizer with the soil, and to determine dependences that link its traction force with the design parameters. Studying the soil deformation pattern under the influence of working tool cutting parts based on classical mechanics made it possible to determine the dependence between the tractive force of the ripper-distributor and its design parameters. 3D modeling and C.F.D. analysis by using SolidWorks Flow Simulation® made it possible to define the fertilizer distributor parameters of the working body and flow characteristics of fertilizers. The distribution quality studies of fertilizer granules in compartments of the working tool distributor showed that the non-uniformity of distribution at different dosages (from 50 to 400 kg/ha) ranges from 7.8% for the application of granulated superphosphate up to 22.7% for the application of powdered superphosphate. The chisel-fertilizer enables soil-friendly and sloping site-specific fertilizer application at a depth from 5.6-9.8, 16-18, 23-25.8 cm, and a fertilizer distribution non-uniformity of 14-15% over the width of the spreader.

Keywords

• granular fertilizer
• liquid fertilizer
• precision farming
• site-specific application
• tractive force