Manure Sensing [Farmer]
Introduction
Manure is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. But until now, natural variance and rapid settling left the success of manure fertilisation to chance[1]. Optimizing the use of manure minimizes loss of nutrients and dispersion into the environment. Manure not only contains nutrients such as N, P and K which can be re-used as fertilizer in agriculture, it also contains valuable organic compounds such as proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and carbon chains, which have potential for use in the bio-based industry. Manure can also be used as a growing substrate of alternative cultivations like duckweed, algae, fungus, black soldier fly[2].
Related Smart Farming Technology Product (Manure Sensing)
John Deere Manure Sensing system[1]
John Deere Manure Sensing system continuously measures nutrient levels within liquid organic and mineral fertilizers. It collects and processes information such as: manure type, optimal nutrient level, machine location, machine ground speed, applicator width, and application flow rate. This information is used to generate a target nutrient and manure application rate. The target nutrient concentrations are applied through manual or automatic adjustments in tractor speed. While manure is being applied, selected nutrient and flow information is recorded. This process optimizes nutrient concentration while staying within regulatory requirements.
The John Deere Manure Sensing system contains the following components:
- HarvestLab™ Sensor
- Manure Sensing Control Unit (MSC)
- GPS Receiver – tractor component
- GreenStar™ Display – tractor component
- Flowmeter – tanker component
- Tanker Control Unit – optional tanker component
- Record Switch – optional tanker component
- John Deere™ Tractor Electronic Control Unit (TECU) – optional tractor component
- John Deere™ Tractor-Implement Automation (TIA) – optional tractor component
Learn about Manure Sensing:
John Deere Manure Sensing can analyse constituents not only during filling but also during application the second before the nutrients hit the soil. An invaluable advantage over other systems, as natural nutrient variances and settling during transport are taken into account and compensated with automatic real-time speed and/or flow rate adjustments. Moreover John Deere Manure Sensing data can be wirelessly sent to the John Deere Operations Center for further processing.
Find out more about Manure Sensing:
References
[1] deere.co.uk/en/agricultural-management-solutions/precision-farming/harvestlab-3000/
[2] library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/fulltext/498084