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

Authors : Eray ÖNLER, İlker H ÇELEN, Erdal KILIÇ, Mrecai DURGUT

Pages : 19-23

View : 21 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2014-02-01

Article Type : Research Paper

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 Indexinsert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Project number: 00558.STZ.2010-1);
Keywords : Orchard, spraying, distance measurement, electronic control, tree volume, ultrasonic