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Portable Machine with Embedded System for Applying Granulated Fertilizers at Variable Rate

Author

Listed:
  • Igor Rodrigues Quintão

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • Domingos Sárvio Magalhães Valente

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • André Luiz de Freitas Coelho

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • Daniel Marçal de Queiroz

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Junior

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • Flora Maria de Melo Villar

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • Pedro Henrique de Moura Rodrigues

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

Abstract

Coffee production in mountainous regions faces significant challenges to mechanization, particularly in management and fertilization. Fertilizer application remains largely manual, reducing accuracy and failing to meet the demands of variable-rate application (VRA). This study developed a portable VRA fertilizer applicator with an embedded electronic control system. The innovation lies in its electrically driven metering mechanism integrated with an electronic control unit (ECU), enabling site-specific fertilization based on prescription maps or predefined rates while recording application coordinates. The mechanism was tested under laboratory and field conditions, evaluating its performance across four fertilizer types, varying inclination angles, and rotational speeds. Results showed a coefficient variation of 0.41% for doses above 24 g, demonstrating high consistency irrespective of fertilizer type or terrain slope. Field tests using potassium chloride (KCl) prescriptions (55, 123, and 185 g/plant; 220, 492, and 740 kg/ha) revealed minimal deviations, with the largest at 22.72 g and the smallest at 0.384 g. These findings demonstrate the applicator’s precision and efficiency, addressing the challenges of mountainous terrains. This system provides technological advancement for sustainable coffee production, enhancing resource optimization and supporting precision agriculture in challenging environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Igor Rodrigues Quintão & Domingos Sárvio Magalhães Valente & André Luiz de Freitas Coelho & Daniel Marçal de Queiroz & Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Junior & Flora Maria de Melo Villar & Pedro Henrique de M, 2025. "Portable Machine with Embedded System for Applying Granulated Fertilizers at Variable Rate," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:4:p:361-:d:1586305
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gabriel Ganancini Zimmermann & Samir Paulo Jasper & Leonardo Leônidas Kmiecik & Lauro Strapasson Neto & Thiago Xavier da Silva & Yasser Alabi Oiole, 2020. "Development of test bench to determine the distribution of granular fertilizers in planting rows using spiral roller, two spiral rollers and fluted roller," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(12), pages 1-11, December.
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