Development of a variable rate fertilizer sprayer with image processing technique by unmanned tractor-mounted for modern sugarcane plantations

Abstract

Fertilizer sprayer with image processing technique mounted on unmanned tractor was conducted to investigate 2 main purposes:  the variable rate fertilizer sprayer and the unmanned tractor travelling. The prototype of variable rate fertilizer sprayer with image processing technique was developed for study the altitudes of image processing system at 0.6m, 0.8m and 1.0m and the altitudes of fertilizer sprayer system at 0.3m, 0.5m and 0.7m. which effect the fertilizer spreader efficiency on sugarcane leaf. The result shown that altitudes of image processing system at 0.6m. and fertilizer sprayer system at 0.3m were the best combination for the sprayer system to distribute liquid fertilizer. For the unmanned tractor travelling, the prototype was focused on direction controller and working performance. The direction travelling controlled was considered to linear and curve trajectory path. The result showed that working performance 15,168N of drawbar force, 85.30% of tractor performance, 3.57 Rai/hr of tractor working ability, 21.4% of travelling slip rate, 3.99 liter/hr of fuel consumption and 0.00937 kWhr of electric consumption.