Variable Rate Fertilizer Distributor in Precision Farming Based on PLC Technology

Abstract

In order to improve the fertilization rationality of crop and decrease pollution and waste, the variable rate fertilizer applicator integrated optical sensors was designed based on PLC technology. NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetative Index) value was a scale to measure the status health and the stand or fall of the crop. According to the real-time data from the NDVI equipment, combined fuzzy control algorithm and the tractor speed, it applied fertilizer through electric operator. The experiment indicated that NDVI could instruct variable rate fertilizer, and it could satisfy with the requirement with of the range of the error permission.