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Measuring crop canopy – the development of a dynamic system for precision fruit crop spraying

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2017

T. Palleja Cabre ,
J. Llorens  and
A. J. Landers
T. Palleja Cabre
Affiliation:
Department of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering, University of Lleida, Jaume II, 69, 25001 Lleida, Spain
J. Llorens
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural and Forest Engineering, Research Group in AgroICT and Precision Agriculture, University of Lleida – Agrotecnio Center, Rovira Roure, 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
A. J. Landers*
Affiliation:
NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456, USA
*
†E-mail: andrew.landers@cornell.edu
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Abstract

The precise application of pesticides to fruit crops requires information regarding the tree or vine canopy as a system input in order to control the amount of liquid and air being applied. Variations in canopy volume and density occur due to variety, trellis system, growth stage, training system and season. Current practice is to occasionally change liquid volume but seldom to change airflow. This paper details the development and validation of an ultrasonic sensor system to measure not only canopy volume but also canopy density and presence. Sensors fitted to the sprayer can record, in real time, changes in crop characteristics as the sprayer moves along the row. Signals can then send information to variable output nozzles and adjustable air fans. Trials have been conducted and results have proven to be extremely reliable and accurate. The ability to precisely control the spray results in the optimum application rate, leading to better results in the use of pesticides, less environmental pollution (less drift and less leaf runoff) and improved economic viability for the fruit grower.

Keywords

Point quadrat analysisultrasonic echoescanopy density
Type
Crop Protection
Information
Advances in Animal Biosciences , Volume 8 , Special Issue 2: Papers presented at the 11th European Conference on Precision Agriculture (ECPA 2017), John McIntyre Centre, Edinburgh, UK, July 16–20 2017 , July 2017 , pp. 250 - 254
Copyright
© The Animal Consortium 2017 

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