WO2011069563A1

WO2011069563A1 - Method and system for monitoring and controlled distribution of fertilizers

Info

Publication number: WO2011069563A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/067105
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albrecht Otto
Original assignee: Unity Ag
Priority date: 2009-12-10
Filing date: 2009-12-14
Publication date: 2011-06-16

Abstract

What is proposed is a method for monitoring and controlled distribution of fertilizers/pesticides in agricultural soils, comprising the steps of definition of the area of soils to be monitored, definition of number of sensors needed to monitor the soils, definition of spots in which to place sensors in the soils, definition of depths in which to place the sensors in the soils, placement of sensors at defined spots and depths in the soils, readout of the sensors at defined times, calculation of amounts of fertilizers/pesticides needed, based on the sensor readouts, and distribution of calculated amounts of fertilizers/pesticides on the soils.

Description

Titel: Method and System for Monitoring and Controlled Distribution of

Fertilizers [0001] The present invention is directed at a method and system for monitoring and controlled distribution of fertilizers and/or pesticides in agricultural soils as described in the independent patent claims.

[0002] For the augmentation of the harvest from agricultural soils fertilizers and pesticides are used. Depending upon the type of plant and the natural environment such as climate and type of soil, very often large amounts of (artificial) mineral fertilizers as well as pesticides are distributed onto the agricultural soils.

[0003] The nutrients contained in the mineral fertilizers are subdivided into macro- and micronutrients. Macronutrients comprise nitrogen, phosphor, calium, and calcium, all of which are applied onto to the soils in rather large amounts on a regular basis. The chemical elements iron and magnesium belong to the group of macronutrients as well, but are usually applied in combination with other mineral fertilizers. [0004] At the same time, micronutrients, often described as trace elements in literature, play an important role for feeding the plants. In this category belong chemical elements such as manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, sulphur and boric.

[0005] In agricultural soils mineral nutrients appear mostly in water-soluble form as anions and cations. This has the effect that through precipitation a considerable part of the nutrients available to the plants are washed into the ground water or are removed through water on the surface.

[0006] At the same time, pesticides are applied to the soils for fighting certain phytopathological influences. To test the requirements for application the metabolism products of plants are studied in science only. In agricultural and hortological practice dosage of fertilizers and pesticides is decided on the basis of spot sample reviews of the crop. In many cases pesticides are applied as a preventive measure, since the actual cultivation requirements hint at such a measure. An actual calibration of the dose to be applied to the actual requirements of the respective crop does not take place.

[0007] Under these circumstances it is necessary to take soil samples in regular intervals to perform a chemical analysis in order to determine the supply of nutrients in the soil. For macronutrients such as calium, calcium, and phosphorus this analysis is usually performed every 3 years. Due to the high solubility and the dynamics connected therewith, the nitrate available to the plants is determined annually through soil samples. In some field cultures, in particular if a high yield is desired, the supply with nitrate is determined by means of a leaf analysis.

[0008] Today, technical methods are available to measure the supply degree with plant nutrients of soils by means of determining the mechanical resistance generated by plants. [0009] Another approach is the spectral analysis of the light reflected by the plant cover. The spectral fractions allow to draw conclusions with respect to the general conditions of the crop and in particular the supply with nitrate.

[0010] In the methods used today problems are encountered at different method steps. Those methods support a demand driven supply of plant nutrients to soils only partly and thus lead to substantial harvest losses and higher costs.

[0011] What is the big problem is that between the soil analysis and distribution of fertilizers, a lot of time passes by, ranging from months to years. The supply level of the agricultural soils changes with the weather. This dynamic is taken into account only remotely in today's distribution methods of fertilizers.

[0012] The taking of samples for the soil analysis is performed with a relatively low number of spot samples. The single samples are put together to produce a mixed sample which forms the basis for the chemical analysis. [0013] To achieve a supply level that is sufficient, in most cases more fertilizer is distributed than necessary.

[0014] Another aspect is that in farming the amounts of fertilizer calculated on the basis of the soil analysis is distributed evenly over the entire area. Different terrain structures such as hills or valleys or deviations in soil quality are not taken into account in this technology.

[0015] Measurement data based on an analysis of the existing crop, such as measurements of the mechanical resistance, spectral analysis of the reflected light, can only be used when there is an existing crop. This is not the case during the basic fertilization in spring and autumn. Furthermore, this method is based on the condition of the actual crop. Factors that influence the availability of plant nutrients such as soil reaction and soil humidity are not taken into account either.

[0016] The dosage of pesticides is based on visual evaluation of the crop only. An analysis of the soil, to identify metabolism products that are created as a result of diseases or weed cover, is not performed at all. [0017] All of the above-mentioned problems of current methods in distribution of mineral fertilizers and pesticides lead to higher costs and to a higher burden for the environment. A targeted concentration of the resources on plants with a higher economical relevance is thus very difficult. [0018] To overcome the above-mentioned problems a method and a system is proposed to make a targeted fertilization and use of pesticide possible with lower costs and a lower burden for the environment.

[0019] What is proposed is a complete control cycle, comprising methods and systems for obtaining analysis data in the soil, methods and systems for processing the analysis data and methods for using the analysis data for controlling the amount of fertilizer and/or pesticide used on the soil. [0020] More specifically, what is proposed is a method for monitoring and controlled distribution of fertilizers/pesticides in agricultural soils, comprising the steps of definition of the area of soils to be monitored, definition of number of sensors needed to monitor the soils, definition of spots in which to place sensors in the soils, definition of depths in which to place the sensors in the soils, placement of sensors at defined spots and depths in the soils, readout of the sensors at defined times, calculation of amounts of fertilizers/pesticides needed, based on the sensor readouts, and distribution of calculated amounts of fertilizers/pesticides on the soils.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of this method, placing the sensors in the soils may comprise the steps of producing holes in the soils at defined spots and with defined depths and placing the sensors therein. [0022] To ensure a thorough coverage of the soils to be fertilized, sensor devices such as measurement capsules are distributed evenly over the entire area to be fertilized, in defined distances to each other.

[0023] Preferably, accessory equipment for ploughs or other devices is employed that allow a precise and complete processing of the entire field or area.

[0024] It is desired to place the sensor devices in the so called A- horizon of the top soil, i.e. in the middle of the top soil so that during ploughing of the field the alignment of the sensor device remains substantially the same. As an example, if the top soil is 26cm deep, the measurement capsule or sensor device should be placed at 13cm. Assuming that during ploughing the top soil is turned by 180°, the sensor devices would remain at about the same depth.

[0025] Placement of the capsules can follow the principles of pneumatic or mechanical single corn seeder, such as those that are used for planting corn or beads. Preferably, the machines are designed in a way that the sensor devices can be placed with a distance of 10 to 50 meters between them. The aim is to achieve a grid like distribution of sensor devices over the area to be monitored and fertilized. Depending upon the planting corridors, a cover of 10 to 12 sensor devices per ha can be achieved.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment the method further comprises the step of providing energy to the sensors for readout, either continuously, or discontinuously, wherein energy is provided to the sensors either via cabling or wirelessly. If energy is provided wirelessly, it is even more preferred to provide energy to the sensors via induction, for example following RFID standards. [0027] The method further may comprise the step of monitoring the respective location and depth of the sensors in the soils, in order to be able to locate each and every sensor device at any given time.

[0028] Readout of the sensors is preferably performed wirelessly by means of a transmitter and a receiver, even though readout by wires could be used as well.

[0029] For wireless readout of the sensor devices it is preferred to move an antenna over the sensors for readout of the sensor data. It is further preferred to use RFID standards in this process.

[0030] The sensor data may be digitized and transmitted as a bit stream to the receiver.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of providing a fertilizer/pesticide distribution device, with means to receive sensor readouts in real time, and interfaces to connect to means to calculate fertilizer/pesticide amounts to be distributed.

[0032] What is further provided according to the invention is a sensor device for use in the method as described above, comprising a sensor body, on the outside of which one or more sensors are provided for sensing one or more chemical substances in the agricultural soil, the sensors being electrically connected on the inside of the sensor body, electronic components for energizing the sensors, converters to convert the sensed amount of a given chemical in the soil into an electrical signal, and readout means to transmit data from the sensors.

[0033] Preferably, the sensor device body is made from a rot resistant material, such as synthetic polymer or any other plastic, in order to withstand environmental influences for as long as possible.

[0034] The Sensor device may be provided with a storage device within the sensor device body, for short term storage of the sensor data before it can be transmitted.

[0035] Furthermore, the sensor device may be constructed as a passive RFID device.

[0036] What is proposed furthermore according to the invention is a distribution device for distributing fertilizers/pesticides on agricultural soils for use in a method as described above, with antennas for readout of signals transmitted from sensor devices in the soil, and potentially transmitting energy to the sensor devices, with interfaces to connect with and communicate sensor data to a field bus system of a transport device to which the distribution device is connected, the field bus of the transport device being connected with processor means to calculate fertilizer/pesticide amounts to be distributed based on the sensor data transmitted.

[0037] The distribution device being provided with mechanical control means to automatically adjust the amount of fertilizers/pesticides to be distributed in response to amounts calculated by the processor.

[0038] Further features and advantages can be taken from the following description of a preferred embodiment in connection with the figures attached to this document, the description of the embodiment being exemplary only, without any intention to limit the scope of protection. The figures showing:

[0039] Fig 1 A schematic embodiment of a sensor device; [0040] Fig. 2 A schematic depiction of the circuitry of the sensor device of Fig. 1.

[0041] Fig. 3 A schematic depiction of sensor device capsules placed in the soil and readout devices in close proximity thereto.

[0042] A sensor device in the form of a measurement capsule 2 in a preferred embodiment is formed in a way that the sensors 4, 6, such as ion selective sensor membranes, ion sensitive semiconductors or ion selective electrodes, are placed on the surface of the cover of the capsule 2 in a suitable way, for example in stripes.

[0043] In the case of a measurement of the concentration of plant available nutrients ion selective sensors are used. As a result of this, for each kind of anions and cations at least one sensor 4, 6 is used. Additionally, for the measurement of the concentration of plants available nutrients another sensor (not shown) for measuring the humidity of the soil is used. This is necessary as the plants availability of nutrient is largely dependent upon the solution level and thus upon the humidity of the soil.

[0044] To obtain analysis data for controlling the distribution amounts of pesticides, chemical sensors or biosensors are used, the sensitivity of which is dependent upon chemical substances that are created as a metabolism product of the rhizosphere of culture plants. Depending upon on the phytopathological influences on the crops such substances are present in higher or lower concentrations.

[0045] Each sensor 4, 6 is circuit switched 8 within the sensor device capsule 2, and a physical signal conversion is performed, so that exact information regarding the concentration of the relevant chemical substances can be obtained. The conversion into an electrical signal is performed selectively and in real time during an activation phase of the sensor device. [0046] The electronics of the sensor device are preferably based on RFID-technology. For transmission of the data obtained by the sensor an RFID-IC 10 or RFID-TAG is completed by a control logic 12, an A/D 14 converter and an analogue multiplexer 16. The analogue/digital converter (A/D) 14 and the analogue multiplexer 16 are electrically connected by means of the control logic 12 with the RFID chip 10 and logically switched in a way such that they are controlled by the RFID-IC 10 during the measurement process. The voltage that is available during the activation phase in the RFID chip 10 is used to supply the control logic, the A/D converter 14 and the analogue multiplexer 16 with energy. If a passive responder is used for the measurement device, no battery to supply energy is necessary. The components RFID-IC 10, A D converter 14 and analogue multiplexer 16 can be placed on a carrier material 18 to enhance the mechanical stability.

[0047] The carrier material 18 can be used at the same time to provide the necessary antenna structure 20 for the RFID-IC 10 in a convenient place.

[0048] The entire electronic circuitry as well as the carrier material 18 can be covered completely by an insulating material, protecting the circuitry against environmental influences. As a geometric form any kind of geometry is possible, wherein balls, ellipsis or a cylinder with rounded ends are preferred. The cover of the sensor device capsule has two functions when placed in the soil. The electronic circuitry is protected from environmental influences and the surface of the cover serves as a carrier material for the ion selective sensors.

[0049] The dimensions of the sensor device capsule are dependent upon the size of the entire electronic circuitry and the type of the sensors 4, 6 used.

[0050] The sensor device capsule as constructed above is placed in the topsoil 22 (A- horizon) of the agricultural soil. To support measurements over an area of soil, distribution of a defined number of sensor device capsules 2 per area units must be guaranteed.

[0051] A device 24 for distributing fertilizers is provided with at least one readout device 26 (RFID-Reader). The antenna of this readout device is placed on the distribution device 24 in such a way that it comes into a receiving distance of the sensor device capsule 2 while driving over the soil 22. This means that the antenna of the readout devices 26 is usually sideways of the corridor, so that during movement of the distribution device it is directly positioned over the sensor device capsule 2 in the soil.

[0052] According to this preferred embodiment, sensor data is obtained as follows:

[0053] When the readout device on the fertilizer distribution device is brought into the receiving area of the RFID tag of the sensor device capsule, the RFID tag is activated through a sent impulse. [0054] Due to the sent impulse a working voltage is created for a short measurement time frame (about 150 ms).

[0055] Through the working voltage the measurement process is initiated and the measurement data is read out from the sensors sequentially.

[0056] Each analogue value is digitized by means of the A/D converter 14 and is transmitted from the sensor device capsule as a bit stream to the readout device.

[0057] Details of the digitalisation and the transmission of the bit stream are defined by the RFID technology used.

[0058] To process the obtained sensor data, processor based control devices are employed that are already used today. These are usually placed on the driving machine (tractor). The controlling as such is performed by a software running on the processor based control device and adapted to this specific purpose.

[0059] The data provided by the readout device is transmitted to the control device by means of a field bus system. The control device is provided with the appropriate software to process the measurement data.

[0060] The algorithms implemented in the software process the sensor data and turn them into control values directly controlling the dosage means of the distribution devices. By doing so, a closed control loop is created in which the obtained measurement data are the respective manipulation variables.

[0061] Preferably, the software is open to manipulation from the outside in order to ad or substract amounts of fertilizers and/or pesticides, in order to take economic considerations into account.

[0062] Furthermore, the method according to this invention makes it possible to create maps of the obtained sensor data. Those maps, similar to methods practised today, can then be used for future product planning.

[0063] Mineral fertilizer is usually provided in form of bulk cargo with a maximum grain size of about 8 mm. The distribution technology is based on mechanical or pneumatic methods.

[0064] Essential for the methods are dosage means controlling the amounts of the substance provided (fertilizer) from the reservoir to the distribution mechanism. The dosage means can be formed by an electro-mechanical flap, continuously controlling the supply of fertilizer from the reservoir to the distribution mechanism.

[0065] The manipulation variable calculated by the processor based control device is transmitted to the dosage means through an electric signal. The dosage means translates the control signal into a proportional strain of bulk cargo. [0066] Without going into further detail, the same can be done with liquid, as long as appropriate valves etc. are provided.

Claims

1. Method for monitoring and controlled distribution of fertilizers/pesticides in agricultural soils, with the steps of:

- Definition of the area of soils to be monitored;

- Definition of number of sensors needed to monitor the soils;

- Definition of spots in which to place sensors in the soils;

- Definition of depths in which to place the sensors in the soils;

- Placement of sensors at defined spots and depths in the soils;

- Readout of the sensors at defined times; and

- Calculation of amounts of fertilizers/pesticides needed, based on the sensor readouts; and

- Distribution of calculated amounts of fertilizers/pesticides on the soils.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein placing the sensors in the soils comprises the steps of producing holes in the soils at defined spots and with defined depths and placing the sensors therein.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of providing energy to the sensors for readout.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein energy to the sensors is provided continuously.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein energy to the sensors is provided discontinuously.

6. Method according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein energy is provided to the sensors via cabling.

7. Method according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein energy is provided to the sensors wirelessly.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein energy is provided to the sensors via induction.

9. Method according to any of the previous claims, further comprising the step of monitoring the respective location and depth of the sensors in the soils.

10. Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein readout of the sensors is performed wirelessly.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the sensors are provided with transmitters for transmitting the readout data wirelessly.

12. Method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of moving an antenna over the sensors for readout of the sensor data.

13. Method according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the sensor data is digitized and transmitted as a bit stream.

14. Method according to any of the previous claims, further comprising the step of providing a fertilizer/pesticide distribution device, with means to receive sensor readouts in real time, and means to calculate fertilizer/pesticide amounts to be distributed.

15. Sensor device for use in the method according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising a sensor body, on the outside of which one or more sensors are provided for sensing one or more chemical substances in the agricultural soil, the sensors being electrically connected on the inside of the sensor body, electronic components for energizing the sensors, converters to convert the sensed amount of a given chemical in the soil into an electrical signal, and readout means to transmit data from the sensors.

16. Sensor device according to claim 15, wherein the sensor body is made from a rot resistant material.

17. Sensor device according to claim 16, wherein the sensor body is made from synthetic polymer.

18. Sensor device according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein a storage device is provided within the sensor body, for short term storage of the sensor data.

19. Sensor device according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the sensor device is constructed as a passive RFID device.

20. Distribution device for distributing fertilizers/pesticides on agricultural soils for use in a method according to claims 1 to 14, with antennas for readout of signals transmitted from sensor devices in the soil, with interfaces to connect with and communicate sensor data to a field bus system of a transport device to which the distribution device is connected, the field bus of the transport device being connected with processor means to calculate fertilizer/pesticide amounts to be distributed based on the sensor data transmitted.

21. Distribution device according to claim 20, the distribution device being provided with mechanical control means to automatically adjust the amount of fertilizers/pesticides to be distributed in response to amounts calculated by the processor.