Design and experiment of variable rate orchard sprayer based on laser scanning sensor
Keywords:
variable rate, orchard, sprayer, spatial dimension, air volume, flow rate, laser scanning sensor, precision agricultureAbstract
During different growth periods, canopy size and density in orchards are variable, which need application conditions (flow rate and air flow) to be adjusted to match the canopy’s characteristics. In order to improve orchard sprayer’s automatic operating performance, an automatic variable-rate orchard sprayer (VARS) fixed with 40 electromagnetic valves and 8 brushless fans was developed based on the canopy’s spatial dimensions. Each solenoid valve and brushless motor can be individually adjusted in real-time through pulse width modulation (PWM) signals emitted by a control system to adjust each nozzle’s spout and fan rotation speed. A high-precision laser scanning sensor (light detecting and ranging, LIDAR) was adopted as the detector to measure the canopy volume using the variable rate algorithm principle. Field experiments were conducted in an apple orchard, and conventional air blast sprayer (CABS) and directed air-jet sprayer (DAJS) were tested as a comparison. Results showed that on average, 46% less spraying solution was applied compared to conventional applications, while penetration rate was similar to DAJS. Normalized deposition in the canopy with variable application was higher than that of conventional applications, indicating that electronic sprayers are more efficient than conventional sprayers. It was also observed that VARS could significantly reduce off-target loss. The field experiment showed that the newly developed variable-rate sprayer can greatly reduce pesticide use and protect the environment for the orchard fruit production, and also provide a reference for design and performance optimization for plant protection machinery. Keywords: variable rate, orchard, sprayer, spatial dimension, air volume, flow rate, laser scanning sensor, precision agriculture DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181101.3183 Citation: Li L L, He X K, Song J L, Liu Y J, Zeng A J, Liu Y, et al. Design and experiment of variable rate orchard sprayer based on laser scanning sensor. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(1): 101–108.References
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[25] Zhou L F, Fu X M, Ding W M, Ding S M, Chen J, Chen Z J. Design and experiment of combined disc air-assisted orchard sprayer. Transactions of the CSAE, 2015; 31(10): 64–71. (in Chinese)
[26] Khot L R, Ehsani R, Albrigo G, Larbi P A, Landers A. Air-assisted sprayer adapted for precision horticulture: Spray patterns and deposition assessments in small-sized citrus canopies. Biosystems Engineering, 2012; 113(1): 76–85.
[27] Landers A J. Innovative technologies for the precise application of pesticides in orchards and vineyards. Aspects of Applied Biology, 2008; 86: 343–348.
[28] Li L L, He X K, Yao Q, Song J L, Liu Y J, Zeng A J. Design of VAV system of air assisted sprayer in orchard and experimental study. Aspects of Applied Biology, 2016; 132: 159–168.
[29] Chen Y, Zhu H P, Ozkan H E. Development of LIDAR-guided sprayer to
synchronize spray outputs with canopy structures. ASABE Annual International Meeting, 2011; Paper No: 1110496.
[30] Chen Y, Zhu H, Ozkan H E. Real-time tree foliage density estimation with laser scanning sensor for variable-rate tree sprayer development. ASABE Annual Meeting, 2013; Paper No: 131596009.
[31] Dai F F. Selection and calculation of the air-blowing sprayer. Plant Protection, 2008; 34(6): 124–127. (in Chinese)
[32] Jenkins E, Hines R. Chapter 4: spraying fruit. In fruit crop pest management: A guide for commercial applicators category 1c. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State University, 2003; pp.25–42.
[33] Ding T H. Research on double fans double channel orchard sprayer airflow field characteristic. Master dissertation. Beijing: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2016. (in Chinese)
[34] Qiu W, Zhao S Q, Ding W M, Sun C D, Lu J, Li Y N, et al. Effects of fan speed on spray deposition and drift for targeting air-assisted sprayer in pear orchard. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2016; 9(4): 53–62.
[35] Holownicki R, Doruchowski G, Godyn A, Swiechowski W. Variation of spray deposit and loss with air-jet directions applied in orchards. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 2000; 77 (2): 129–136.
[36] Ma N. Study of spray characteristics of Anti-floating nozzle and standard fan-shaped nozzle. Master dissertation. Beijing: China Agricultural University, 2012. (in Chinese)
[37] Pascuzzi S, Cerruto E, Manetto G. Foliar spray deposition in a “tendone” vineyard as affected by airflow rate, volume rate and vegetative development. Crop Protection, 2017; (91): 34–48.
[38] Llorens J, Gil E, Llop J, Escolà A. Variable rate dosing in precision viticulture: Use of electronic devices to improve application efficiency. Crop Protection, 2010; 29(3): 239–248.
[39] Cross J V, Walklate P J, Murray R A, Richardson G M. Spray deposits and losses in different sized apple trees from an axial fan orchard sprayer: 1. Effects of spray liquid flow rate. Crop Protection, 2001; 20(4): 13–30.
[40] Viret O, Siegfried W, Holliger E, Raisigl U. Comparison of spray deposits and efficacy against powdery mildew of aerial and ground-based spraying equipment in viticulture. Crop Protection, 2003; 22(8): 1023–1032.
[41] Siegfried W, Viret O, Huber B, Wohlhauser R. Dosage of plant protection products adapted to leaf area index in viticulture. Crop Protection, 2007; 26(2): 73–82.
[2] Chen Y, Zhu H H, Erdal O, Richard R K. An experimental variable-rate sprayer for nursery and orchard applications. ASABE Annual Meeting, 2011; Paper No: 1110497.
[3] Yang Z, Niu M M, Li J, Xu X, Xu J T, Chen Z C. Design and experiment of an electrostatic sprayer with on-line mixing system for orchard. Transactions of the CSAE, 2015; 31(21): 60–67. (in Chinese)
[4] Qiu B J, Yan R, Ma J, Guan X P, Ou M X. Research progress analysis of variable rate sprayer technology. Transactions of the CSAM, 2015; 46(3): 59–72. (in Chinese)
[5] Wang W Z, Hong T S, Li J, Zhang F G, Lu Y C. Review of the pesticide precision orchard spraying technologies. Transactions of the CSAE, 2004; 20(6): 78–80. (in Chinese)
[6] He X K, Yan K R, Chu J Y, Wang J, Zeng A J, Liu Y J. Design and testing of the automatic target detecting, electrostatic, air assisted, orchard sprayer. Transactions of the CSAE, 2003; 19(6): 78–80. (in Chinese)
[7] Esau T, Zaman Q U, Chang Y, Schumann A W, Percival D C. Spot-application of fungicide for wild blueberry using an automated prototype variable rate sprayer. Precision Agriculture, 2014; 15(2): 1–15.
[8] Solanelles F, Escola A, Planas S, Rosell J R, Camp F, Gracia F. An electronic control system for pesticide application proportional to the canopy width of tree crops. Biosystems Engineering, 2006; 95(4): 473–481.
[9] Solanelles F, Planas S, Escolà A, Rosell J R. Spray application efficiency of an electronic control system for proportional application to the canopy volume. Aspects Applied Biology, 2002; 66:139–146.
[10] Zhai C Y, Zhao C J, Wang X, Zou W, Mao Y J, Zhang R. Probing method of tree spray target profile. Transactions of the CSAE, 2011; 26(12): 173–177. (in Chinese)
[11] Jeon H Y, Zhu H. Development of a variable-rate sprayer for nursery liner applications. Transactions of the ASABE, 2012; 55(1): 303–312.
[12] Jeon H Y, Zhu H, Derksen R, Ozkan E, Krause C. Evaluation of ultrasonic sensor for variable-rate spray applications. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2011; 75(1): 213–221.
[13] Zaman Q U, Salyani M. Effects of foliage density and ground speed on ultrasonic measurement of citrus tree volume. Applied Eng. Agric., 2004; 20(2): 173–178.
[14] Giles D K, Delwicke M J, Dodd R B. Control of orchard spraying based on electronic sensing of target characteristics. Transactions of the ASAE, 1987; 30(6): 1624–1630.
[15] Gil E, Escolà A, Rosell J R, Planas S, Val L. Variable rate application of plant protection products in vineyard using ultrasonic sensors. Crop Protection, 2007; 26(8): 1287–1297.
[16] Tanaka T, Yamaguchi J, Takeda Y. Measurement of forest canopy structure with a laser plane range-finding method - development of a measurement system and applications to real forests. Agricultural & Forest Meteorology, 1998; 91(3-4): 149–160.
[17] Campoy J, Gonzalez-Mora J, Dima C S. Advanced sensing for tree canopy modeling and precision spraying. ASABE Meeting, 2010; Paper No: 1009470.
[18] Sanza R, Rosell J R, Llorensb J, Gil E, Planas S. Relationship between tree row LIDAR-volume and leaf area density for fruit orchards and vineyards obtained with a LIDAR 3d dynamic measurement system. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2013; 171-172(3): 153–162.
[19] Lee K H, Ehsani R. Comparison of two 2D laser scanners for sensing object distances, shapes, and surface patterns. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 2008; 60(2): 250–262.
[20] Van der Zande D, Hoet W, Jonckheere I, van Aardt J, Coppin P.. Influence of measurement set-up of ground-based LIDAR for derivation of tree structure. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 2007; 141(2-4): 147–160.
[21] Wei J, Salyani M. Development of a laser scanner for measuring tree canopy characteristics: Phase 1. Prototype development. Transactions of the ASAE, 2004; 47(6): 2101–2107.
[22] Wei J, Salyani M. Development of a laser scanner for measuring tree canopy characteristics: Phase 2. Foliage density measurement. Transactions of the ASAE, 2005; 48(4): 1595–1601.
[23] Wheaton T A, Tumbo S D, Salyani M, Whitney J D, Salyani M. Investigation of laser and ultrasonic ranging sensors for measurements of citrus canopy volume. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 2002; 18(3): 367–372.
[24] Escolà A, Rosell-Polo J R, Planas S, Gil E, Pomar J, Camp F, et al. Variable rate sprayer. Part 1 – Orchard prototype: design, implementation and validation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2013; 95(1): 122–135.
[25] Zhou L F, Fu X M, Ding W M, Ding S M, Chen J, Chen Z J. Design and experiment of combined disc air-assisted orchard sprayer. Transactions of the CSAE, 2015; 31(10): 64–71. (in Chinese)
[26] Khot L R, Ehsani R, Albrigo G, Larbi P A, Landers A. Air-assisted sprayer adapted for precision horticulture: Spray patterns and deposition assessments in small-sized citrus canopies. Biosystems Engineering, 2012; 113(1): 76–85.
[27] Landers A J. Innovative technologies for the precise application of pesticides in orchards and vineyards. Aspects of Applied Biology, 2008; 86: 343–348.
[28] Li L L, He X K, Yao Q, Song J L, Liu Y J, Zeng A J. Design of VAV system of air assisted sprayer in orchard and experimental study. Aspects of Applied Biology, 2016; 132: 159–168.
[29] Chen Y, Zhu H P, Ozkan H E. Development of LIDAR-guided sprayer to
synchronize spray outputs with canopy structures. ASABE Annual International Meeting, 2011; Paper No: 1110496.
[30] Chen Y, Zhu H, Ozkan H E. Real-time tree foliage density estimation with laser scanning sensor for variable-rate tree sprayer development. ASABE Annual Meeting, 2013; Paper No: 131596009.
[31] Dai F F. Selection and calculation of the air-blowing sprayer. Plant Protection, 2008; 34(6): 124–127. (in Chinese)
[32] Jenkins E, Hines R. Chapter 4: spraying fruit. In fruit crop pest management: A guide for commercial applicators category 1c. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State University, 2003; pp.25–42.
[33] Ding T H. Research on double fans double channel orchard sprayer airflow field characteristic. Master dissertation. Beijing: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2016. (in Chinese)
[34] Qiu W, Zhao S Q, Ding W M, Sun C D, Lu J, Li Y N, et al. Effects of fan speed on spray deposition and drift for targeting air-assisted sprayer in pear orchard. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2016; 9(4): 53–62.
[35] Holownicki R, Doruchowski G, Godyn A, Swiechowski W. Variation of spray deposit and loss with air-jet directions applied in orchards. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 2000; 77 (2): 129–136.
[36] Ma N. Study of spray characteristics of Anti-floating nozzle and standard fan-shaped nozzle. Master dissertation. Beijing: China Agricultural University, 2012. (in Chinese)
[37] Pascuzzi S, Cerruto E, Manetto G. Foliar spray deposition in a “tendone” vineyard as affected by airflow rate, volume rate and vegetative development. Crop Protection, 2017; (91): 34–48.
[38] Llorens J, Gil E, Llop J, Escolà A. Variable rate dosing in precision viticulture: Use of electronic devices to improve application efficiency. Crop Protection, 2010; 29(3): 239–248.
[39] Cross J V, Walklate P J, Murray R A, Richardson G M. Spray deposits and losses in different sized apple trees from an axial fan orchard sprayer: 1. Effects of spray liquid flow rate. Crop Protection, 2001; 20(4): 13–30.
[40] Viret O, Siegfried W, Holliger E, Raisigl U. Comparison of spray deposits and efficacy against powdery mildew of aerial and ground-based spraying equipment in viticulture. Crop Protection, 2003; 22(8): 1023–1032.
[41] Siegfried W, Viret O, Huber B, Wohlhauser R. Dosage of plant protection products adapted to leaf area index in viticulture. Crop Protection, 2007; 26(2): 73–82.
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Published
2018-01-31
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Li, L., He, X., Song, J., Liu, Y., Zeng, A., Liu, Y., … Liu, Z. (2018). Design and experiment of variable rate orchard sprayer based on laser scanning sensor. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 11(1), 101–108. Retrieved from https://ijabe.migration.pkpps03.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/3183
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Power and Machinery Systems
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