Automatically Controlled Multi-Channel Intelligent Fertilizer Applying Machine

To be honest, when I first heard aboutAutomatically controlled multi-channel intelligent fertilizer application machines, presented another marketing constructor. Until I encountered real work in the fields of Shandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology LLC - where the theory breaks down on stones in the soil and sudden failures in supply channels.

Why omnichannel is not just a fancy word

In 2022, at a test site near Kazan, we launched a prototype with three independent channels. The logic seemed simple: nitrogen - phosphorus - potassium separately, but... Soil samples showed a patchy distribution of elements. We had to revise the mixing algorithms right during the calibration process.

By the way, about calibration. Many people still confuse multichannel with simple duplication of lines. In reality, each channel is a separate valve system with individual flow settings. In the projects of Shandong Lingyao LLC, we use frequency converters of our own design - the same ones that are mentioned on https://www.lyzhihuinongye.ru in the section about water and fertilizer integration equipment.

I remember an incident in a potato field in the Rostov region: one of the canals began to “float” due to pressure. It turned out that the fine fraction of the fertilizer clogged the inlet filter. We had to urgently install a dirt trap - the same one that is usually used in drip irrigation systems. Now this is a mandatory element in our schemes.

Intelligence versus the human factor

A dispute often arises here: can we trust the automation to determine dosages? Personally, after the incident in the Stavropol Territory, I became a skeptic. The soil conductivity sensor transmitted abnormal values ​​- the system doubled the potassium supply. But the problem was... heavy rain the day before, which distorted the measurements.

Now in Shandong Lingyao we always set a 'window of doubt' - an interval of 2-3 hours between soil analysis and application. During this time, the operator checks the weather data and visual assessment of the field. Not ideal, but reduces risks.

It is interesting that the most reliable solutions were born at the intersection of technologies: for example, combining remote sensing data with readings from field sensors. This is exactly the approach we implemented in the project for a greenhouse complex in Tatarstan - thereintelligent machineswork in conjunction with our valve system.

Problems that won't be shown in presentations

Vibration is the scourge of all field machines. When operating at speeds above 5 km/h, the dispensers begin to desynchronize. We had to develop shock-absorbing mounts for flow meters - we borrowed the idea from the aviation industry.

Another point: compatibility with domestic fertilizers. European calculation models are not suitable for our granular mixtures - the hygroscopicity is different, the fluidity is different. Last season, the correspondence tables for popular Russian brands were completely rewritten.

The most unobvious thing is the effect of temperature on accuracy. In the summer of 2023, at +35°C, deviations of 7-8% were noticed along the main channel. The reason is the thermal expansion of plastic tubes. Now in the specifications of Shandong Linyao LLC we must indicate the temperature range of calibration.

Integration with other systems - where are the limits of reason?

When did we start implementingmulti-channel intelligent machinesinto the structure of smart agricultural parks, faced the problem of 'digital egoism'. Each system—irrigation, monitoring, weather station—required management priority.

It was necessary to develop a conditional truce protocol. For example, when there is a simultaneous request for watering and fertilizing, the system first completes the irrigation cycle (so as not to wash away the preparations), then proceeds to fertilizing.

We gained interesting experience when connecting to the precision farming platform 'Agrosignal'. It turned out that their API does not support asynchronous commands for multi-channel systems. It took a month to adapt, but now we use this experience in the design of hydraulic structures.

Economics versus agronomy: finding a balance

The most painful issue is payback. Yes,automatically controlled vehiclesaves up to 30% fertilizers. But its cost is comparable to an annual supply of drugs for an average household.

We at Shandong Lingyao offer a modular approach: we start with a basic single-channel version, then increase functionality. As practice has shown, most clients switch to two-channel systems after a season.

An important nuance is service. For the first six months, we necessarily conclude an agreement for monthly inspection. Failure statistics: 80% of cases are clogged filters, 15% are software problems, only 5% are mechanical failures.

What ultimately works in the fields

After seven years of testing, we can say: there is no ideal system. But a combination of a three-channel machine of our production + a filtration system + a backup control unit shows stable results even in difficult conditions.

Now we are testing a hybrid option for sloping lands - there we have to compensate for the gravitational displacement of fertilizers. Preliminary data are encouraging: the error does not exceed 3-4% at a slope of up to 8°.

If we talk about prospects, I see the future in adaptive systems that learn from mistakes. We are working on just such a project together with engineers from Shandong Linyao LLC. We plan the first field tests in the fall in areas with heterogeneous soil cover.